The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following what it described as heightened security threats. The directive, announced on Monday, affects every category of school—primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions—whether owned by the state, federal government, or private individuals.
The announcement was made by the Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman. He explained that the government reached the decision after extensive consultations with security agencies and a careful review of possible risks to students, teachers, and school communities.
Usman stated that although shutting down schools may inconvenience parents, learners, and business owners who depend on schools for livelihood, the safety of children remains the top priority of the state government. According to him, no level of inconvenience is greater than the potential loss of life.
He appealed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors to remain calm, adding that the government is already working with security agencies to stabilise the situation. “The safety of our children comes first. We urge the public to remain patient as we take necessary steps to protect lives,” he said.
He further added that the government will issue updates regularly and communicate reopening plans once the situation improves.
Bauchi, located in Nigeria’s North-East region, shares boundaries with states that have experienced serious security challenges over the past decade. Though the state has generally been seen as more stable than Borno, Yobe, or Adamawa, it has not been completely free from attacks by criminal groups.
The wider North-East has faced threats from Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, since 2009. These groups have carried out school attacks, mass kidnappings, and targeted assaults on communities, government facilities, and security personnel. The 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in Borno State and the 2018 Dapchi incident in Yobe remain painful examples of how vulnerable schools can be.
In recent years, banditry and kidnapping have also expanded from the North-West into parts of the North-East, increasing fears among communities. Many schools in different states have been forced to adopt stronger security measures or temporarily shut down during periods of heightened risk.
Against this backdrop, Bauchi’s decision to close schools has raised concerns, as such actions often signal credible threats.
Although the state government has not provided details about the specific threats, security sources in the region have often warned of intelligence reports pointing to possible attacks on soft targets, including schools, markets, and places of worship. Schools are considered vulnerable because they house large numbers of children and often have weak security structures.
The government’s swift action suggests it is taking intelligence seriously to avoid any tragedy. Many parents in the state also recall that neighbouring states have, in the past, experienced kidnappings of students from boarding schools and colleges.
The closure has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Many parents have expressed fear over what the threat could mean for their communities. Some welcomed the government’s decision, praising it for acting early rather than waiting for an incident to occur.
“It’s better they close the schools temporarily than allow anything bad to happen,” said Aisha, a mother of two in Bauchi metropolis. “We have seen what has happened in other states. Let them protect our children first.”
However, some residents, especially those whose livelihood depends on school activities—such as transporters, food vendors, and small business owners—worry about the economic impact of the shutdown.
Teachers and school owners have also expressed concern about the disruption to academic calendars. Examinations, ongoing classes, and scheduled activities will all be affected. Still, many agree that the safety of students must come first.
The Bauchi State Government has assured residents that security agencies are working around the clock to investigate the threats and prevent any attack. The police, local vigilantes, and other security formations have reportedly stepped up patrols in and around schools, residential areas, and major public centres.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals. The government says public cooperation is crucial to strengthening security measures and preventing attacks.
This is not the first time Nigerian states have closed schools due to security concerns. In several states across the North, schools have been forced to shut down temporarily, especially boarding schools in rural areas.
Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Borno States have all closed schools at different times to avert possible attacks. Many children in conflict-prone areas have had their education disrupted for months or even years.
The Bauchi State Ministry of Education said it will continue to monitor developments and advised residents to stay informed through official announcements. The government did not give a timeline for reopening, saying it will only lift the closure when it is confident that students and teachers are safe.
