Kwara Closes Schools Amid Banditry, Demands Military Base.

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The Kwara State Government ordered the closure of all schools in four local government areas on Wednesday, following renewed security threats across the region.

The directive was communicated through the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, in a circular signed by its Chairman, Yusuf Agboola. The shutdown affects schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun and Ekiti LGAs.

Agboola explained that the instruction came directly from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, following concerns raised by authorities about rising insecurity in Kwara South.

According to the circular, all school administrators were to close their schools immediately until further notice, stressing that the directive stemmed from serious security concerns. He added that further updates would be issued as the situation unfolds.

On the same day, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq announced plans to push for a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti LGA. This followed a violent attack on a church in the town the previous night, during which three worshippers were killed and more than 35 were kidnapped.

During his visit to Eruku for an assessment, the governor disclosed that he had contacted the General Officer Commanding 2 Division as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to discuss immediate security reinforcements. He stated that the President had postponed his planned foreign trips due to the incidents in Kwara and Kebbi.

Residents of the affected community recounted their ordeal, describing the attack as terrifying and prolonged.

One victim, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among the abducted, said the gunmen seized around 30 people from the church. He explained that many initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks until the attackers stormed the premises. Joshua accused security agencies of failing to intervene during the attack.

He alleged that despite the presence of both police and soldiers nearby, none responded. He also claimed the police fired shots when youths attempted to pursue the assailants, causing confusion and delaying their response.

A youth leader, Shola Peters, also criticised the police, accusing them of abandoning the community despite receiving significant support from residents. He said the officers prevented locals from chasing the attackers and called for an investigation into the Eruku division. He added that the youths confronted the gunmen with only a Dane gun and one pump-action weapon, while the bandits carried heavy rifles, including AK-49s and machine guns.

The pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, explained that the congregation had gathered for a thanksgiving service for 18 residents who had recently been released from captivity. He said gunmen surrounded the church, opened fire and caused chaos. Three worshippers died immediately, and about 35 were taken by the attackers.

The Christian Association of Nigeria’s Coordinator for Ekiti LGA, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the incident could be interpreted as a direct assault on the Christian community. He urged the government to handle the situation without bias.

Earlier, angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as complete abandonment by security agencies. When visited around 1:30 pm, the highway was blocked with stones, logs and burning tyres, leaving many vehicles stranded. Residents insisted the attack lasted nearly an hour without any response from security personnel who were supposedly stationed nearby.

A vigilante member, who requested anonymity, said the timing of the attack raised suspicion. He noted that forest guards and vigilantes were taken for training just two days before the incident, comparing it to a previous pattern observed in Oke Ode. He urged the government to investigate potential foul play.

The State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, visited the community with the State Director of the Department of State Services and promised stronger action. He said more officers would be deployed and announced that an Armoured Personnel Carrier would be stationed in Eruku.

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju, told the governor that the community had been experiencing repeated attacks since the start of the year. He said many farmers had fled, teachers had abandoned the town, and residents regularly contributed money to secure the release of kidnapped victims. He also mentioned that bad road conditions make it difficult for security forces to respond promptly.

The attack is part of a growing pattern of violence in areas bordering Kogi and Ekiti States, where bandits fleeing military pressure have been regrouping. Security analysts warn that porous borders, poor infrastructure and inadequate security presence make rural communities vulnerable.

Residents fear that unless firm action is taken, bandits displaced from nearby forest corridors such as Babanla and Baba Sango will continue to infiltrate towns around Eruku.

Governor Abdulrazaq’s request for an Army base and Mobile Police Squadron marks a major step towards establishing long-term military presence in the troubled region.