Banditry: Kwara closes schools in four LGs, demands military base

Kwara State has directed all schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs to shut down due to renewed security threats in the region. The Nigeria Union of Teachers announced the closure, saying it followed direct orders from the Ministry of Education.

The decision came after a deadly bandit attack on a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, where armed men invaded during a thanksgiving service, killing at least three people and kidnapping more than 35 worshippers. The attack occurred just weeks after 18 abducted residents had regained freedom.

During a visit to the community, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the state would push for a military Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron to strengthen security. He noted that the President is also aware of the situation.

Residents, however, accused security agencies—especially the police—of failing to protect them. Victims and community leaders said police officers did not act throughout the attack and even fired tear gas at youths who were trying to pursue the bandits. They alleged that despite providing housing support for the police division, the community has continued to face harassment rather than protection.

Local church leaders and CAN representatives expressed fear that the attack could be interpreted as a targeted assault on Christian worshippers.