A new report by Oxford Policy Management, supported by UNICEF, has revealed that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 330 students were abducted in Katsina State, leading to the closure of 52 schools across the local government areas of Batsari, Faskari, and Kankara.
The findings were presented on Tuesday by Hadiza Tijani, a representative of the research centre, during a public awareness event.
According to the report, two students and five teachers were killed within the period, while 15 teachers were abducted. It also noted that 79.7 percent of students continue to struggle with concentration due to fear and insecurity, while many teachers reported feeling unsafe within school premises.
The report warned that rising insecurity in rural and border communities is crippling education in Katsina State. It recommended that government and development partners increase security in schools, establish temporary learning centres, and provide support to teachers and students affected by conflict.
Katsina State Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Zainab Musawa, acknowledged the findings, stating that although bandit attacks have declined, some schools remain shut due to persistent fear of student abductions.
