The Katsina State government has ordered the closure of schools to prevent abduction of students and staff.

Yusuf Jibia, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, announced the closure of schools while addressing journalists.

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

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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 measure will remain in place until a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

Jibia vowed that normal academic activities will resume once adequate protection measures are put in place.

The development follows abduction of students and staff in Kebbi and Niger States.

In the case of Niger, the government blamed the incident on the failure of the management of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, to comply with its security directive that, in view of security concerns, all boarding schools in the northern senatorial district of the state remain shut.

The attack on St Mary’s Catholic School followed the pattern of a similar one earlier in the week on a Government school in Kebb.

Despite security alerts by the Department of State Services (DSS) that there was a likelihood of terrorists attacking soft targets like schools.

In a statement, Secretary to the Niger State government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said, “This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.

“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.

“The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.”