Yobe Shuts All Boarding Schools Over Rising Insecurity

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state, citing escalating security threats as the primary reason.

The order, described as a “proactive measure” to safeguard students, comes amid rising concerns over kidnappings and violent attacks in the region. A formal notice issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Bukar Aji Bukar, and signed by Mohammed Mamman, Director General of Press & Media Affairs to the Governor, stated that the closure will remain in effect “pending improvement in the security situation.” The Governor called on residents to pray for peace and support security agencies in their efforts to restore stability. Yobe’s move reflects a broader trend across northern Nigeria, where several states have recently taken similar steps. Taraba and Adamawa states have shut down all boarding facilities, while Katsina and Plateau states have temporarily closed both public and private schools over security concerns. The closures follow a series of abductions and attacks targeting schoolchildren, including the recent kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Security experts note that the ongoing threat from Boko Haram and other insurgent groups continues to pose a serious risk to educational institutions in the region. While the closure is aimed at protecting students, it is expected to disrupt academic calendars, particularly for boarding-only schools, and place additional logistical pressures on parents and communities. Governor Buni emphasized that the decision is temporary and contingent on improvements in the security landscape, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.