A recent report has revealed a disturbing surge in school abductions and closures in Katsina State, with over 300 students kidnapped and 52 schools shut down across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) between 2020 and 2025. The affected LGAs include Batsari, Bakori, and Kurfi, underscoring the persistent insecurity challenges facing the education sector in northern Nigeria.
The research, conducted by Oxford Policy Management, highlights the grim reality on the ground as banditry and armed attacks continue to target students and educational institutions, forcing many schools to suspend activities for safety reasons. The kidnappings have left communities traumatized and parents fearing for their children’s safety.
The report also draws attention to the vulnerability of schools due to lack of adequate security measures such as perimeter fencing and protection personnel. Many students abducted are between primary and secondary school ages, disrupting their education and violating their rights.
Government and security agencies are under increasing pressure to enhance protection for schools, implement robust security protocols, and rescue the abducted students. Meanwhile, the psychological and social impact on victims and their families continues to mount.
This crisis poses a significant threat to education access and development in Katsina and calls for urgent collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and security forces to restore safety and confidence in the region’s schools.
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