Bandits Attack: Bauchi Govt Orders Closure Of Public, Private Schools, Tertiary Institutions

Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools across the state, including state-owned primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, as well as Federal Government–owned schools, following the recent series of attacks by bandits on schools in the Northern part of Nigeria 

The State Ministry of Education’s Information Officer, Jalaludeen Usman announced the directive in a statement issued on Sunday 

Bauchi is joining the growing number of Northern states who shutdown schools including Kebbi,  Niger , Yobe as well as Plateau and Katsina who issued similar directive last week Friday 

“This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding learners and urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by reporting any suspicious activities.

“We call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic but to remain calm and supportive. The government is working closely with security agencies to address these concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement added.

The government also assured residents that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

“All Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close effective Saturday, November 22, while all Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, November 24,” the Plateau government said.

Also on Friday, the Federal Government announced the closure of 47 of its federal secondary schools, known as Unity Schools.

The school closures occur amidst the rising attacks in the country by armed persons on schools, religious houses and security officials.

Most of the attacks have occurred in the northern part of the country, which houses 19 of the 36 states in Nigeria.

On Monday, armed men invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, north-west Nigeria, abducting at least 24 schoolgirls and killing the school’s vice principal.

On Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic mission school in Agwara, Niger State, north-central Nigeria, and abducted dozens of pupils and staff. Local officials said up to 52 children might have been kidnapped.

On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State, north-central Nigeria, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others.