Fresh Security Alerts Force School Closures in Kogi, Edo and Niger

Several schools across parts of Nigeria were forced to shut down on Wednesday following renewed fears of bandit attacks and possible mass abductions of students.

The heightened concerns came after armed attackers stormed the UBE Secondary/Primary School in Iluke, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three people and triggering security alerts in neighbouring states. The incident occurred just weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, a development that drew widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of educational institutions across the country. Among those killed in the Kogi attack were the school's Vice Principal, Ganiyu Anifowose, a 70-year-old resident identified as Sunday Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele. Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said heavily armed bandits riding on dozens of motorcycles invaded the community with what appeared to be plans to abduct students and residents. According to police spokesperson Salihu Afusat, security operatives swiftly launched a coordinated response involving police officers, tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes. During the operation, one suspected attacker was neutralised, while a member of the joint security team sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

Authorities said preliminary investigations have not established any successful mass abduction during the attack, although inquiries are ongoing. The police extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, concerns over potential attacks have spread beyond Kogi. In Edo State, three schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area were temporarily closed after intelligence reports indicated possible plans by suspected bandits to target schoolchildren. The alert reportedly originated from information obtained by security operatives after the arrest of two individuals believed to have been conducting surveillance in the area. According to intelligence reports, the suspects allegedly considered schoolchildren easier targets after previous kidnapping attempts involving wealthy individuals failed to generate substantial financial rewards. Following the warning, the Edo State Government ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School. The Ministry of Education clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements. Security agencies in the state said surveillance had already been intensified around vulnerable schools and communities identified in intelligence reports. In Niger State, rumours of an impending attack on schools caused panic among parents and students, leading many children to leave school early. Several parents expressed fears over the growing insecurity and the recurring targeting of educational institutions by criminal groups. School administrators also reported receiving numerous calls from anxious parents seeking assurances about the safety of their children. Despite the widespread panic, the Niger State Police Command dismissed reports of any attack or invasion, describing the claims as false and misleading. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said security personnel had inspected schools mentioned in the rumours and found no evidence of any attack. He added that an investigation had been launched to identify those responsible for spreading the false information, warning that such reports could create unnecessary fear and disrupt normal activities.

The Commissioner of Police in the state had earlier directed divisional officers to work closely with school authorities to ensure the safety of students and staff. Human rights organisation Amnesty International condemned the deadly attack in Kogi State, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities. The National Association of Okun Students also expressed concern over what it described as worsening insecurity in the region. The association called for an urgent security summit involving traditional rulers, elected officials, community leaders, and security agencies to develop a coordinated strategy for tackling kidnappings, killings, and attacks on communities. According to the group, residents of the region are increasingly living in fear as criminal activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. Elsewhere, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed viral claims suggesting that suspected terrorists had infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park. Police described the reports as unfounded and unsupported by intelligence findings. The command, however, assured residents that security personnel had been strategically deployed across vulnerable communities and border areas to strengthen surveillance and maintain public safety. Authorities urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, warning that false security reports could trigger panic, undermine public confidence, and divert attention from genuine security threats. As concerns over school safety continue to grow, security agencies across affected states say they remain on high alert to prevent further attacks and reassure communities.

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