By Obinna Uballa
The Kebbi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private secondary schools across the state, citing worsening security threats and rising attacks on communities.
The New Diplomat had reported that terrorists stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducting 25 students.
In a sweeping directive that also affects state-owned tertiary institutions, with the exception of the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, the government said the measure was necessary to protect students and staff.
The announcement was made in a joint statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga.
Bande said the decision followed “recent disturbing cases of attacks” in parts of the state, including the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Maga, which has heightened anxiety among parents.
“Our priority at this critical moment is the safety of our children. The closure of all secondary schools, public and private, is a precaution we cannot ignore given the emerging security realities,” she noted.
The shutdown affects hundreds of schools across all 21 local government areas, including government day schools, boarding schools and privately owned institutions.
Abubakar-Tunga explained that the directive was based on security recommendations and urged immediate compliance from all affected institutions.
“We cannot expose students to avoidable risks. All administrators must ensure full compliance. A new resumption date will be announced once the security situation improves,” he said.
The tertiary institutions directed to close include:
Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari
Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero
College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega
Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu
School of Remedial Studies, Yauri
Only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery in Birnin Kebbi is exempt from the directive.
The commissioners appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with government instructions as security agencies intensify operations across the state.
