Bauchi Govt Shuts Schools Over Security Concerns

The Bauchi State government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools across the state, including state-owned primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, as well as Federal Government–owned schools.

The directive was announced in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Education’s Information Officer, Jalaludeen Usman.

“This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding learners and urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by reporting any suspicious activities.

“We call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic but to remain calm and supportive. The government is working closely with security agencies to address these concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement added.

The government also assured residents that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Bauchi has joined the list of states that have shut down schools due to heightened insecurity and the recent mass abductions of students in parts of the country.

Last Saturday, Katsina State announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools in the state, becoming the second state in the country to do so.

The directive was announced in a Friday statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education, Sani Danjuma.

Katsina, a North-Western State, joined Plateau, a North-Central state, which earlier on Friday also announced the closure of all its primary and junior secondary schools for security reasons.

“All Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close effective Saturday, November 22, while all Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, November 24,” the Plateau government said.

Also on Friday, the Federal Government announced the closure of 47 of its federal secondary schools, known as Unity Schools.

The school closures occur amidst the rising attacks in the country by armed persons on schools, religious houses, and security officials.

Most of the attacks have occurred in the northern part of the country, which comprises 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

On Monday, armed men invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, North-West Nigeria, abducting at least 24 schoolgirls and killing the school’s vice principal.

On Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, and abducted hundreds of students and staff. Over 315 students and staff were kidnapped, but 50 students have been confirmed to have escaped.

In the same vein, on Tuesday, gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State, in north-central Nigeria, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others.

Terrorists in the North-Eastern Borno State also recently ambushed a military team and killed a Brigadier-General and four security officials.