The Katsina and Pleatue State Governments have ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the state following escalating security threats and banditry attacks reported in several communities.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, confirmed the directive on Friday while briefing journalists in Katsina.

Jibia said the measure became necessary to safeguard students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school-safety strategy.

He noted that although students are currently writing examinations, protecting lives and property remains the top priority.

The commissioner described the shutdown as a temporary step that will remain in place pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

“The state government assures citizens that normal academic activities will resume soon after security assessments are completed and adequate protection measures are put in place,” Jibia added.

The decision follows recent abductions of secondary-school students in Kebbi and Niger states, a development that has heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across the North-West.

Katsina has also had its own experiences in recent times.

In August, at least 32 people were confirmed killed after a dawn terror attack on worshippers at Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The assailants, identified as bandits, stormed the community mosque at about 5 a.m. while residents were observing Fajr prayers.

They opened fire on the worshippers in what officials described as a reprisal attack.

In September, seven people were reportedly killed when bandits launched an attack on Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina.

 

In the same development, the Plateau State Government has also ordered the immediate closure of basic schools across the state over rising security concerns.

The Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive in Jos on Friday, explaining that the move was a preventive measure.

“You are aware of attacks in schools in some states. So, here in Plateau, the government is being proactive because we don’t want anything like such to happen here.

“So, the government decided to close the schools as a temporary measure to enable it to work on some security measures that can be put in place before school sessions can continue,” he said.

A statement issued by the board on Friday said Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close effective Saturday, November 22, 2025, while Primary and Day Schools are to shut from Monday, November 24, 2025.

The statement read, “The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state as follows:

“Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) will close effective Saturday, 22 November 2025.
Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, 24 November 2025.

“This decision is underscoring the urgent need for preventive action.

“The Board assures parents, guardians, and stakeholders that this closure is a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential threats and to reassure communities that the government is prioritising the well-being of our learners.”