By Ebi Kesiena
The Kebbi State Government has announced the immediate closure of all public and private secondary schools following heightened security threats, in a move described as one of the most sweeping educational shutdowns in the state’s recent history.
The decision comes days after terrorists attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducting 25 students. The incident has intensified concerns over the safety of students and staff across the state.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga, confirmed that the closure also extends to several state-owned tertiary institutions. However, the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, will remain open and continue academic activities.
Bande explained that the government’s decision followed a comprehensive review of “recent disturbing cases of attacks” in multiple communities, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga.
“At this critical time, the safety of our children must come first. The closure of all secondary schools both public and private, is a precautionary step we cannot afford to ignore,” she said.
The directive affects hundreds of secondary schools, boarding, day, and privately managed across the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State. Education authorities emphasised that the shutdown is temporary but necessary to prevent further tragedies.
Abubakar-Tunga noted that intelligence reports and security assessments informed the decision.
“We cannot expose young learners to avoidable dangers. All affected institutions must comply immediately. A new resumption date will be communicated once the security situation stabilises,” he said.
Among the tertiary institutions ordered to suspend activities are Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero; and the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega.
The commissioners appealed for calm and cooperation from school managements, parents, and the general public, assuring that security agencies have intensified operations to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.
The government has urged residents to remain vigilant while it works with federal security authorities to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safe return of missing students.
