Zamfara keeps schools open, implements new security measures amid rising abductions

The Zamfara State Government has declared it will not close schools despite a recent wave of abductions targeting students across northern Nigeria.

Instead, authorities say they are introducing enhanced security measures to protect learning institutions and ensure students can continue their education safely.

Speaking at a press event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, reassured parents and students that the safety of pupils remains a top priority.

“We have taken concrete steps to safeguard our schools and children.

“We are in constant contact with all security agencies, who are providing the support necessary to keep our schools operating without disruption, ” he said.

Madawaki explained that unlike other states implementing widespread closures, Zamfara largely operates day schools, rather than boarding schools.

He said that attacks often target boarding facilities at night, which makes day schools less vulnerable. “Where insecurity persists, schools remain closed.

In relatively secure areas, students continue classes, as the academic term is nearly ending,” he added.

The commissioner also highlighted that higher institutions, including Zamfara State University, the polytechnic, and the College of Education, are on holiday.

“Our commitment is clear. Education must continue where it is safe, but we will not compromise the security of our children.

”We are ready to adapt if the situation changes, extending holidays or altering schedules as necessary, ” he said.

These institutions operate boarding systems, so their resumption has been postponed to January to allow authorities to assess the security situation.

The decision comes amid a series of high-profile kidnappings in neighboring states.

In Kebbi, 25 students were abducted from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, following the murder of a senior staff member.

In Niger State, St Mary’s Catholic School was raided in the early hours of Friday, with 315 students and staff abducted.

About 50 pupils later escaped, while security forces, local vigilantes, and hunters continue searching for the remaining victims.

Several Northern states have taken drastic measures in response.

Katsina ordered the closure of all public schools, Taraba mandated secondary schools to operate strictly as day schools, Plateau shut basic schools as a preventive measure, and Bauchi directed all schools to close immediately.

Kebbi closed both public and private secondary schools as well as most tertiary institutions.

The Federal Government also issued an order shutting down 47 Unity Colleges nationwide in response to growing security threats, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over the incidents, describing them as “depressing.” He has directed top defence officials to move to the affected areas to lead rescue and recovery operations.

The president canceled scheduled travels to monitor developments closely, emphasizing that recovering abducted children is a national priority.

While other states have opted for closures, Zamfara’s strategy focuses on proactive protection, deploying security personnel to schools and coordinating with law enforcement to deter potential attacks.

Officials maintain that the measures aim to balance the continuation of education with the safety of students and staff.