Insecurity: Plateau, Katsina Govts Shut All Schools Indefinitely

Insecurity: Plateau, Katsina Govts Shut All Schools Indefinitely

The escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria has compelled the governments of Plateau and Katsina states to order the immediate and indefinite closure of all schools as a precautionary measure.

The decision, announced separately on Friday, follows a wave of mass abductions of students in neighboring Kebbi and Niger states, which has created widespread fear and prompted urgent action to protect educational institutions.

In Plateau State, the shutdown will be implemented in phases. Secondary schools are to close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day/boarding schools will follow on Monday, November 24.

Richard Jonah, spokesperson for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the move as a “temporary but necessary” step “to prevent possible attacks and ensure public safety.”

Simultaneously, the Katsina State Government announced an immediate closure of all public schools. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, stated that the directive was essential “to protect the lives of students and teachers” while the state finalizes a new security plan for schools.

He emphasized that even schools currently conducting examinations must comply, and the closure will remain until comprehensive security checks are completed in high-risk areas.

Katsina has been a frequent target of bandit violence, including a deadly August attack on a mosque in Malumfashi that killed 32 worshippers and a September assault in Dandume that left seven dead.

These latest preventive measures underscore the severe and expanding security challenges confronting the region.