Nigerian authorities have ordered the closure of schools across five districts in central Kwara state following fears that learning institutions could become targets for armed gangs. The decision comes in the aftermath of a deadly attack on a church earlier in the week, an incident that heightened anxiety among residents and security agencies.
The closures affect communities already grappling with heightened security concerns as armed groups continue to unleash violence across parts of the country. The directive is intended to prevent further attacks while security forces work to stabilise the affected districts.
This latest measure follows closely on the heels of another troubling incident on Monday, when gunmen stormed a boarding school in northwestern Kebbi state and kidnapped twenty five schoolgirls. At least one staff member was killed in the attack, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools.
The increasing wave of violence has forced President Bola Tinubu to postpone scheduled foreign trips as his administration faces mounting pressure to address the rising insecurity. While the government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations, communities continue to suffer the consequences of kidnappings, banditry and attacks on places of worship.
The situation has rekindled painful memories of previous mass abductions in northern Nigeria and has once again placed a global spotlight on the country’s ongoing struggle to keep students and vulnerable populations safe.
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