Bandit Attacks Force Closure of Schools in Katsina

Bandit Attacks Force Closure of Schools in Katsina

By Umar Babangida

The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following a spike in armed bandit attacks. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, announced the directive on Friday, citing the growing insecurity affecting educational institutions, particularly in the Northwest.

Addressing journalists, Jibia said the decision became necessary in light of surge of assaults on schools nationwide, including recent incidents in Katsina. He noted that the latest attack, which involved the abduction of students from their hostel, resulted in the death of a security guard and left the vice-principal critically injured.

According to him, the shutdown aims to protect students and teachers as security agencies roll out a new statewide school safety framework.

The development comes shortly after the Federal Government ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity colleges across the country due to worsening security threats.

In a circular issued to principals, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, stated that the approval was granted by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed federal unity colleges,” the circular read.

The government assured parents and stakeholders that efforts are underway to strengthen security architecture around schools before academic activities resume.