Following concerns over potential attacks on schools in the state, the Government of Jigawa State has directed the immediate closure of all public schools.
According to a report by Premium Times, the closure was abrupt, occurring on Wednesday, August 17, during the period when pupils were undertaking their terminal examinations. This sudden action has triggered fear and panic among residents and students.
There have been sightings of numerous stranded students awaiting evacuation from the town.
Wasilu Umar, the spokesperson for the state’s Ministry of Education, confirmed the closure of the schools.
A headmaster from a primary school in Dutse, the state’s capital, stated,
“We have been instructed to shut down and immediately release the students.
“The students were still supposed to sit for the Basic Science and Islamic Religion Knowledge (IRK) examinations before they were asked to leave.
“The closure is indefinite until further notice, apparently due to the worsening security situation in the state.”
A student from Nuhu Sanusi Government Day Secondary School also mentioned that they were instructed to leave without completing the Civic Education examination scheduled for the following day.
This move comes on the heels of an attack on Immigration personnel in Magari Local Government Area of the state last Tuesday. The assault resulted in the death of one officer and injuries to two others.