A surge in violent attacks and student abductions has triggered widespread school closures across northern Nigeria, halting academic activities and deepening concerns over the region’s worsening security crisis.
On Friday, the Federal Government ordered the shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges, following rising cases of school-related abductions. The directive, issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, affects institutions across Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Gombe, Adamawa, and the FCT, among others.
The move comes amid escalating bandit incursions into vulnerable communities. Several state governments also ordered immediate closures of both public and boarding schools as precautionary measures.
Multiple States Shut Schools Over Threat Alerts
In Niger State, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, announced the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the Niger North Senatorial District after intelligence reports indicated heightened threats. Similarly, the Kwara State Government shut schools across four LGAs—Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti—following warnings from the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
Plateau State also ordered the immediate closure of all basic schools, with officials citing the need to avoid preventable tragedies witnessed in neighbouring states. Katsina followed suit by shutting down all public schools statewide over fears of impending attacks. Despite ongoing examinations, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, said student safety remains paramount.
In Benue State, the NUT confirmed that over 50 schools remain shut, some for up to two years, due to persistent attacks in Guma, Logo, Agatu, and Gwer West LGAs. Many affected students currently live in IDP camps.
States Scramble to Tighten Security
Governments in Sokoto and Kebbi announced enhanced security deployments across schools as end-of-term examinations approach. Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris directed security agencies to intensify surveillance, insisting schools in the state will remain open under reinforced protection.
However, the state’s confidence contrasts sharply with recent tragedy. In Niger and Kebbi, fresh abductions of schoolchildren have renewed public outrage and fear.
Over 42,000 Schools at Risk
A report from the National Safe Schools Financing Plan (2023–2026) reveals that more than 42,000 primary and secondary schools in northern Nigeria lack perimeter fencing, leaving millions of children exposed.
The data shows:
- 4,270 secondary schools unfenced across 21 northern states and the FCT
- 38,684 primary schools without protective barriers
- Kano, Benue, Bauchi, Katsina, and Niger among states with the highest vulnerabilities
The gaps underscore why schools remain soft targets for bandits.
Defence Minister Moves to Kebbi as Rescue Efforts Intensify
Following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi, Defence Minister Bello Matawalle arrived in the state on Friday for a closed-door meeting with top military and security commanders. Officials say the operation has now entered a more aggressive phase to rescue the abducted girls.
A senior officer disclosed that the meeting focused on tightening coordination and addressing operational lapses.
Northern Governors Express Outrage
The Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned the attack, calling it a “disturbing and unacceptable assault on children.” Chairman, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, stressed that schools must remain safe spaces, warning that continued attacks threaten efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Niger Government Faults School for Ignoring Closure Directive
The Niger State Government criticised St. Mary’s School, where the recent abduction occurred, for reopening despite a government shutdown order. Authorities said the school ignored warnings and operated without clearance, exposing children to danger.
Families in Agony, Communities Turn to Prayer
In the affected Kebbi communities, grief and anxiety dominate daily life. Parents of abducted children described the past days as unbearable. Prayer sessions have been held across villages in Zuru Emirate, with residents pleading for divine intervention.
A father, Mallam Usman, said he learned of his daughter’s abduction while in the mosque after morning prayers. Another parent said both his daughter and granddaughter had been taken.
A widow recounted how bandits shot her husband, a school guard, before attempting to seize their teenage daughter—who narrowly escaped by fleeing into the bush.
Governor Blames Military Withdrawal
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has demanded answers after soldiers reportedly withdrew from the school minutes before the attackers struck, despite prior intelligence warnings. He called for a full investigation into the “troubling” development.
Attacks Driven by Bloodlust — Northern CAN
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the North, Rev. John Hayab, said many recent attacks appear driven by a “craving for blood,” not ransom. He questioned why bandits continue targeting poor communities instead of wealthy individuals if money were the motive.
Catholic Archbishop Warns of Rising Chaos
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, called on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that the spike in killings and abductions suggests an attempt to throw the country into chaos. He cited the killing of a serving Army General and multiple clerics as evidence of deteriorating national security.
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