Insecurity: Kwara Shuts Schools in Four LGAs as Attacks Escalate

The Kwara State Government has ordered the closure of schools across four local government areas following a surge in deadly attacks within 48 hours.

The move comes after at least three people were killed in Bokungi community, Edu LGA, on Wednesday, barely a day after gunmen invaded a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing two worshippers and abducting 30 others.

Community sources revealed that four people, including a vigilante, were initially kidnapped during the coordinated assaults in Bokungi.

According to one source, the attackers later killed two rice farmers and left another victim — a vigilante, with severe injuries.

The back-to-back attacks have heightened fears across Kwara communities, prompting the government to enforce immediate protective measures.

In response, the state government announced proactive security steps across schools, aimed at safeguarding pupils and preventing criminals from exploiting them as shields during intensified security operations.

Schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero LGAs were affected by the temporary shutdown.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, confirmed that the measures also extend to all boarding schools in Irepodun.

According to the statement, the closure will remain in effect pending “further security clearance for normal activities to resume.”

The state government said its decision underscores its commitment to “curtailing the activities of kidnappers who may want to use schoolchildren as human shields” amid ongoing security crackdowns.

Authorities assured residents that the closure is part of a broader security strategy aimed at preventing further casualties.

The latest developments in Kwara follow another violent incident on Monday, when bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, killing a school official and abducting 25 students.

Reacting to the rising insecurity, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said President Bola Tinubu had placed the nation’s security architecture on its “highest alert.”

Idris made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing the recent wave of attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states.

As security agencies launch expanded operations in affected regions, residents remain anxious, hoping for swift rescue efforts and a return to normalcy.

The Kwara State Government urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement as efforts continue to restore peace.