Kwara Shuts Schools in Four LGAs as Insecurity Worsens, Governor Moves to Establish Army Base After Deadly Attack

The Kwara State Government on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of schools across four local government areas following escalating security threats in the affected communities.

The directive was communicated through the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State Wing. In a circular signed by its chairman, Yusuf Agboola, the union announced that schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs must suspend academic activities without delay.

Agboola noted that the instruction came directly from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised alarms over fresh security concerns in Kwara South.

“This is to inform you that all schools in the listed LGAs are to shut down immediately until further notice,” the circular stated.
“The decision follows the security challenges affecting the area and the government’s efforts to contain the situation. Treat this information with utmost urgency,” it added.

He assured teachers and school administrators that additional guidance would be issued as developments unfold.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Wednesday announced plans to request the establishment of a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, located in Ekiti LGA. This follows a brutal attack on a church on Tuesday night, which left three worshippers dead and more than 35 people abducted.

During a visit to the community for an assessment, the governor disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, about urgent security reinforcements.

“We will engage the GOC on setting up a Forward Operating Base in Eruku and speak with the IGP on establishing a mobile police squadron,” Abdulrazaq said.
“It is regrettable that this happened despite our efforts. The President is fully aware and has even cancelled a trip due to this incident and the one in Kebbi.”

Residents Recount Night of Terror
Eruku residents said the governor’s visit came after a night filled with fear and chaos.

One victim, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, described the attack as devastating.
“They took my wife and granddaughter along with about 30 others. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. When we tried to confront them, it was already too late,” he said.

Joshua accused security operatives, especially the police, of abandoning the community.
“We have soldiers and a police station nearby, but they did nothing. While we chased the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate, and when we approached them, they tear-gassed us. The attackers escaped.”

Another youth leader, Shola Peters, echoed similar frustrations, accusing the police division of neglect.
“These officers are the same ones we supported by building houses for them. When we needed them, they failed,” he said, calling for a probe of the Eruku Police Division.
“We want the Commissioner of Police and the IGP to investigate them. If government gives us guns, we can defend ourselves.”

Despite being armed with only rudimentary weapons, he said the youths still attempted to challenge the heavily armed attackers, who carried AK-49 rifles and machine guns.

The President of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation had gathered for a thanksgiving service celebrating the release of 18 kidnapped residents when the bandits struck.

“All teachers in the community have fled, and two who stayed were kidnapped yesterday,” he said, lamenting the poor road conditions that make security response slow.
“We always contribute money to free those kidnapped from their farms, homes, or the roads.”

The attack adds to a series of violent incidents across Kwara’s border communities with Kogi and Ekiti States—areas increasingly overrun by bandits fleeing military operations in nearby forests.

Security experts warn that Kwara’s porous borders, poor road networks, and limited security presence continue to expose rural residents to repeated attacks.

Governor Abdulrazaq’s move to push for a military base and police squadron marks a significant step toward establishing a permanent security presence in the troubled region.