BAUCHI – The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state, including federal and private institutions, in a decisive move to protect students and staff from escalating security threats.
The directive, announced late Sunday, affects primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and follows a wave of recent school abductions in neighbouring Niger and Kebbi states.
In a statement issued by Jalaludeen Usman, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Education, the government described the decision as “difficult but necessary,” citing “overwhelming security concerns” and the need to prevent “any unforeseen circumstances.”
“The protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility,” the statement read. “Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”
The closure comes amid a sharp rise in kidnappings targeting educational institutions in northern Nigeria. Last week, more than 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, one of the largest such incidents in recent years.
Authorities have urged parents and school proprietors to remain calm and assured the public that the state is working closely with security agencies to monitor the situation. Normal academic activities will resume “as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement added.
Residents have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, with the government emphasising: “If you see something, say something.”
The shutdown reflects growing regional anxiety over school safety as armed groups continue to target vulnerable communities. Several northern states, including Katsina and Zamfara, have taken similar measures in recent months.
