Kwara State Government has directed the shutdown of schools in four local government areas following fresh security threats across communities in the southern part of the state.
The order affects schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs, and takes immediate effect.
According to the state government, the decision was made after new intelligence pointed to rising attacks and movement of armed groups around the affected zones.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state confirmed the development, stating that they acted on a directive issued by the Ministry of Education.
Teachers were instructed to close all schools and await further communication as the government works to stabilise the situation.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
His position follows Tuesday night’s deadly attack on a church in the community, where three people were killed and more than 30 others abducted.
The governor visited Eruku on Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment. He said he had spoken with top military and police authorities on the need for an urgent boost in security presence within the axis.
According to him, the goal is to permanently check the movement of bandits operating along the borders shared with Kogi and Ekiti States.
Residents of Eruku recounted a terrifying night. A man whose wife and granddaughter were taken during the attack said the community had assumed the initial gunshots were fireworks before realising the truth too late. He accused security agents of failing to intervene throughout the incident.
Another youth leader expressed anger at the conduct of police officers during the attack, insisting that the community had repeatedly supported them in the past.
He said the youths, armed only with basic weapons, tried to confront the attackers but were overwhelmed by their superior firepower.
Church leaders also described the incident as a direct assault on the Christian community. The pastor of the attacked church said the congregation had been holding a thanksgiving service for previously freed victims before bandits suddenly stormed the premises and opened fire.
Earlier on Wednesday, angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they called total neglect by security agencies. They mounted barricades on the road, leaving travellers stranded for hours.
Many residents said the attack lasted long enough for security operatives stationed nearby to respond, but none showed up.
During a joint visit to the area, the Commissioner of Police and the Kwara State Director of the DSS assured the community that more personnel and equipment would be deployed.
They also announced that an Armoured Personnel Carrier would now be stationed in Eruku permanently.
Traditional leaders in the community told the governor that the attacks had become persistent this year.
They said many farmers had abandoned their lands, while several households had been forced to contribute money to secure the release of kidnapped loved ones. Bad roads, they added, worsen the insecurity because help rarely arrives on time.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns about the infiltration of bandits into Kwara State from neighbouring forests.
Security analysts warn that unless a military base is established in the region, armed groups displaced from nearby states may continue regrouping around border communities.
The governor’s push for a permanent Army base and police squadron is expected to form the first major step toward restoring stability in the affected areas.