Kwara State government has ordered the closure of schools in five districts following a deadly attack on a church in the town of Eruku earlier this week. The closures aim to prevent schools from becoming targets of armed gangs.
The Education Commissioner, Lawal Olohungbebe, stated on Thursday that schools would remain closed until security agencies provide clearance for normal activities to resume.
“The government is determined to curtail the activities of kidnappers who may want to use schoolchildren as human shields,” he said.
On Tuesday evening, gunmen attacked a church in Kwara State, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with some worshippers. The state shares a border with the Benin Republic.
The attacks come amid a rise in violent incidents across the country, including the kidnapping of 24 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi State earlier this week.
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The insecurity crisis has drawn international attention, prompting President Bola Tinubu to postpone planned foreign trips.
In response to concerns from the United States, Nigerian authorities have rejected claims that Christians face targeted persecution, describing the situation as part of the broader security challenges in the country.
Tinubu has dispatched a delegation led by the national security advisor to engage with U.S. lawmakers and officials.
The government continues to urge vigilance and cooperation from communities to safeguard lives and maintain public security.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
