Rismadarvoice – 21 November 2025
Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the State following renewed security threats and multiple banditry attacks in several communities.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, announced the directive on Friday while briefing journalists in Katsina.
He said the decision was taken as part of a new statewide school-safety strategy being implemented by security agencies to forestall further attacks on learning institutions.
The Commissioner explained that although students are currently sitting for examinations, the protection of lives and property remains the government’s utmost priority.
He described the shutdown as a temporary measure that will last until a comprehensive security assessment is conducted in identified high-risk locations.
“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,” he said.
The move comes in the wake of recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, incidents that have heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across the North-West region.
Katsina has witnessed its own share of deadly attacks in recent months.
In August, at least 32 people were killed when bandits stormed a community mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area, during early-morning Fajr prayers.
Authorities described the attack as a reprisal operation carried out around 5 a.m.
Similarly, in September, seven residents were reported killed after bandits invaded Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area.
The State government says it is working closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and restore calm as communities continue to grapple with rising insecurity.
