The Yobe State Government has announced the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools across the state in a move aimed at safeguarding students amid escalating security concerns in northern Nigeria.
Governor Mai Mala Buni issued the directive on Saturday following a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies. The meeting, held in Damaturu, reviewed recent attacks on schools in other states, including mass abductions that have intensified public anxiety over the safety of students.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by Mohammed Mamman, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor. According to the statement, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has already acted on the directive by circulating official notices to all affected schools.
“A notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Bukar Aji Bukar, directed the immediate closure of all secondary schools pending improvement in the situation,” the statement read.
Governor Buni called on residents to remain calm and to continue supporting security operations with prayers and vigilance. “The Governor called on the people of the state to pray for the leadership, security operatives, peace and improved security in the country,” Mamman added.
Yobe now joins a growing list of northern states forced to suspend school activities following renewed attacks on educational institutions. The decision comes just a day after PUNCH Online reported the abduction of students from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where terrorists kidnapped over 300 students and teachers.
The Papiri incident followed another attack earlier in the week in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 female students were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School. During the Kebbi attack, the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed, and a security guard suffered gunshot injuries.
The wave of violence has reignited national debate over school safety, reminiscent of past tragedies such as the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings, which drew global outrage. Education advocates warn that continued insecurity could further jeopardise school attendance and worsen the already fragile state of learning in conflict-prone regions.
As authorities intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities, parents and civil society groups are urging the Federal Government to adopt stronger, more coordinated measures to protect schools from insurgent and criminal attacks.
