The Zamfara State Government says it has no plans to shut down schools despite escalating insecurity and a surge in student abductions across northern Nigeria. Officials insist that new security measures have been put in place to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue their education without fear.
Speaking at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, addressed concerns following recent mass kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger States.
His comments come after 25 students were abducted from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and about 315 students and staff were kidnapped from Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
While several northern states have responded to the attacks by closing schools, Zamfara says it will not adopt the same strategy. The state government maintains that it is instead reinforcing security in and around schools to prevent possible incursions by armed groups.
Madawaki said:
“We have already done what we are supposed to do. When it comes to security, you don’t reveal every detail to the media, but we have taken steps to secure our students. The safety of our schools and children is well taken care of.”
He added that the state is in constant communication with security agencies who are providing the necessary support. “We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” he said.
According to the commissioner, states that shut down schools mostly operate boarding facilities, which are more vulnerable to late-night attacks. Zamfara, however, currently runs mainly day schools due to the ongoing insecurity, reducing certain risks.
“Most of the states that closed their schools have boarding systems. Bandits often strike at night. Here, we are yet to resume boarding. Our schools run during the day,” he explained.
Madawaki also noted that schools in high-risk areas had already been temporarily closed. “Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have been closed. Where there is relative peace, students are continuing since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we will do so,” he said.
He added that some tertiary institutions—including the state university, polytechnic and college of education—are already on break. Their resumption dates may be pushed from December to January to reassess security conditions, especially since they host boarding students.
Recent mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi have sparked nationwide concern and led to school shutdowns in Katsina, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi and Kebbi States. The Federal Government has also ordered 47 Unity Colleges to close temporarily.
UNICEF condemned the attacks, while church authorities confirmed the number of abducted children. President Bola Tinubu described the incidents as distressing, directing defence chiefs to relocate to the affected states to oversee rescue operations. He also cancelled planned travel to monitor developments closely, stressing that securing the abducted students remains a national priority.
