Yusuf Jibia, commissioner for basic and secondary education
in Katsina, announced the closure of schools in the state on Friday while
addressing journalists.

Jibia said the decision was taken to safeguard students and
teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school safety strategy.

He said the directive affects students currently writing
examinations, noting that protecting lives and property remains the priority of
the state government.

He said the shutdown is a temporary measure that will remain
in effect pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk
areas.

The commissioner said normal academic activities will resume
once security assessments are concluded and adequate protection measures are
put in place.

He urged parents, teachers and residents to comply with the
directive as officials continue to monitor the security situation.

In Plateau, Richard Jonah, public relations officer (PRO) of
the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), announced the decision in
a statement issued on Friday in Jos, the state capital.

Jonah said the directive underscores “the urgent need for
preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state”.

He said government junior model secondary schools will close
from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will close from
Monday, November 24.

The SUBEB spokesperson said the closure is a temporary but
necessary step to forestall potential security threats, adding that the measure
aims to reassure communities that the state government is prioritising the
well-being of pupils and students.

Jonah advised local government education authorities, school
administrators, and community leaders to comply fully with the directive and
remain vigilant.

The move by both state governments follows recent abductions
of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, an incident that has
heightened concerns among parents and authorities across the north-west.