The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following escalating security concerns that officials say pose risks to students, teachers and learning environments.
In a statement issued by Jalaludeen Usman, Information and Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Education, the government said the directive affects all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, including Federal Government-owned and private schools.
He explained that the decision was reached after extensive consultations, adding that although difficult, the move became necessary to prioritise the protection of schoolchildren and educational staff amid heightened threats.
Recall that New Daily Prime reported that about 25 female students were abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, while about 50 students of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State were said to have escaped from the hands of their abductors.
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“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause. However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility,” the statement read.
Parents, guardians and school operators were urged to remain calm as the government works with security agencies to stabilise the situation and ensure learning activities resume as soon as it is deemed safe.
The statement also appealed to citizens to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities, noting that timely information could prove crucial in safeguarding residents and school environments.
The Bauchi State Government assured that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
