The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all basic schools across the state in response to growing security concerns.
Richard Jonah, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), confirmed the directive on Friday, describing it as a proactive measure to prevent incidents like attacks on schools in other states.
According to PSUBEB, Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) will close from Saturday, November 22, 2025, while Primary and Day Schools will shut from Monday, November 24, 2025. The board emphasized that the closures are temporary and intended to allow authorities to enhance security measures before students return.
PSUBEB also called on Local Government Education Authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to cooperate and remain vigilant.
Residents expressed concern over potential threats. Moses Jeremiah of Shendam LGA said students of GSS Shendam were sent home after warnings of a possible attack, though this threat has not been independently verified. Plateau Police Public Relations Officer SP Alfred Alabo said the command is unaware of any specific threat and would comment only after receiving an official briefing.
The move follows recent violent incidents in neighbouring states, including the abduction of students from a Catholic school in Niger State and an attack on a girls’ boarding school in Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped and the vice-principal killed.
In a related development, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu appealed for public support for ongoing military operations, highlighting the need for community cooperation during the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat in Jos.
