The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of basic schools across the state over what it described as “potential threats” to public safety.
The directive was issued by the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), which announced that Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close on Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will shut down on Monday, November 24. The notice, signed by Richard Jonah on behalf of PSUBEB management, urged education authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to comply and remain vigilant.
PSUBEB said the closure is a temporary but necessary measure to prevent security breaches and reassure parents and communities of the government’s commitment to protecting learners.
Plateau becomes the latest state to suspend academic activities due to insecurity. Katsina State recently closed all public schools, while Kwara State ordered the shutdown of schools in four local government areas following rising attacks.
The Federal Government has also directed the immediate closure of 41 federal unity colleges, citing ongoing security concerns. A circular from the Ministry of Education instructed principals of the affected schools to strictly comply with the order.
The shutdowns follow a resurgence of mass abductions in schools, particularly in northern Nigeria. Earlier in the week, gunmen abducted about 25 students in Kebbi State, and another group of attackers kidnapped an unspecified number of students in Niger State, heightening fears over students’ safety.
