The Kwara State government has directed the closure of schools in four Local Government Areas following a surge in violent attacks recorded within the last two days.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in Bokungi community, Edu Local Government Area, where at least three people were killed.
The attack happened less than a day after gunmen invaded a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, killing two worshippers and abducting 30 others.
Community sources said four individuals, including a vigilante, were initially seized during the coordinated assaults. According to one source, the assailants later killed two rice farmers and injured another person believed to be a vigilante.
In response, the government announced that it had rolled out additional security precautions in schools as part of broader efforts to strengthen protection for pupils. The measures apply to schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero LGAs.
Authorities noted that the move reflects concerns that kidnappers could attempt to use schoolchildren as cover as security agencies intensify their operations. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, added that boarding schools in Irepodun are also affected. The precautionary step, the statement said, will remain in effect pending further security clearance.
The development comes two days after bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in the Danko Wasagu area of Kebbi State, killing a staff member and abducting 25 students.
Reacting to the growing wave of violence, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said President Bola Tinubu had placed the nation’s security apparatus on its “highest alert”. Idris made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states