The Zamfara State Government says it has no plans to shut down schools despite rising insecurity and a surge in student abductions across several states.
Instead, the government has introduced new security measures aimed at protecting learning centres and ensuring students continue classes without fear of attack.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this in Gusau during an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students.
Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State’s Danko Wasagu LGA, and the kidnapping of about 315 students and staff from Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
While some northern states have responded with mass school closures, Zamfara says it will not follow suit. Instead, authorities are strengthening security around schools to deter bandit attacks.
“We have already done what we are supposed to do. When it comes to security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of,” Madawaki said.
He added that the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure uninterrupted academic activities. “We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” he said.
Madawaki noted that states shutting schools largely operate boarding facilities, which are more vulnerable to night-time attacks. Zamfara, however, currently runs mainly day schools due to ongoing security concerns.
“Most of the states that closed their schools operate boarding systems where students sleep in hostels. Bandits often strike at night. Here, we have not resumed boarding. Our schools operate during the day,” he explained.
He added that schools in areas considered unsafe remain closed, while those in relatively peaceful zones continue operating. “If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so,” he said.
The commissioner also revealed that higher institutions—including the state university, polytechnic and college of education—are already on holiday. They were initially scheduled to resume in December, but because they host boarding students, their holidays will be extended until January to allow for further security assessment.
Wave of abductions, widespread school closures
Since last Monday, armed groups have carried out major school kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states. In Kebbi, gunmen killed a senior staff member before abducting 25 schoolgirls. In Niger State, attackers stormed St Mary’s Catholic School and kidnapped 303 pupils and 12 teachers; about 50 later escaped. Security forces, vigilantes and local hunters are searching for the remaining captives.
The latest wave of abductions has forced several states to shut down schools. Katsina State ordered the closure of all public schools due to heightened threats. Taraba State directed all secondary schools to operate strictly as day schools. Plateau State closed all basic schools as a preventive measure. Kebbi State shut all public and private secondary schools as well as most tertiary institutions following recent attacks. Bauchi State also directed the immediate closure of all schools at every level due to fears of further kidnappings.
The Federal Government subsequently ordered the closure of 47 Unity Colleges nationwide in response to escalating threats.
The incidents have sparked nationwide outrage. UNICEF condemned the attacks, while church authorities confirmed the number of abducted children.
President Bola Tinubu said the situation left him “depressed,” and directed defence chiefs to relocate to the affected states to lead rescue operations. He cancelled scheduled trips to monitor the crisis more closely, stressing that rescuing the abducted children remains a national priority.
