Kwara State Government Orders Immediate School Closure Across Four Local Government Areas
The Kwara State Government has taken the drastic step of shutting down all educational institutions across four local government areas indefinitely as security concerns escalate due to spreading bandit activities. The directive, issued on November 20, 2025, affects schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun and Ekiti Local Government Areas following fresh security intelligence indicating heightened threats in border communities.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers confirmed the closure through a circular signed by state chairman Yusuf Agboola, who emphasized that the union acted strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development. School heads have been warned to comply immediately with the directive until further notice.
Deadly Church Attack Prompts Security Reinforcement
The decision to close schools came in response to Tuesday night's brutal attack on a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, where gunmen stormed a thanksgiving service, killing three worshippers and abducting more than 35 congregants. The assault has triggered urgent calls for permanent military presence in the vulnerable region.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited the traumatized community on Wednesday, revealing that he has initiated high-level discussions with senior military and police authorities. The governor has formally requested the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku to strengthen community defenses against cross-border incursions.
"I have already briefed the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun," Governor Abdulrazaq assured residents. "All security agencies are working to stabilize the area, and the President is fully aware of the grave situation."
Residents Recount Night of Terror During Church Service
Survivors of the church attack provided harrowing accounts of the assault, describing how armed men surrounded the building during a thanksgiving service and opened fire on worshippers. Adesuyi Joshua revealed that his wife and granddaughter were among those taken by the attackers.
"At first, we mistook the gunshots for knockouts," Joshua recalled, "before we realized we were under direct attack." The distraught resident also accused police of failing to intervene when the community attempted to mobilize a response.
Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, who leads the targeted church, disclosed the tragic irony that the congregation had gathered specifically to celebrate the recent release of 18 kidnap victims when the gunmen stormed the building. He confirmed that three people died instantly while scores were forcibly taken away.
Youth leader Shola Peters expressed deep frustration with security forces, claiming that police officers actively discouraged local youths from pursuing the attackers. "We feel completely let down by officers we have supported for years," Peters stated, demanding a full investigation into the police division's response.
Growing Tension and Community Response
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, angry youth blocked the crucial Ilorin Kabba Expressway to protest the absence of security intervention during the assault. Protesters noted that the attack continued for nearly an hour without any response from nearby security formations.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has since visited the community and promised stronger security deployments. An Armoured Personnel Carrier will remain stationed in the area while investigations into the attack continue.
Traditional leaders informed Governor Abdulrazaq that repeated attacks have forced numerous farmers and teachers to flee the region, creating a humanitarian crisis alongside the security emergency. The situation remains tense as security forces continue their manhunt operations in the Eruku forest area.
