BREAKING: Kwara shuts schools in five LGAs over rising insecurity, kidnap threats

BREAKING: Kwara shuts schools in five LGAs over rising insecurity, kidnap threats

The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of schools across five local government areas following rising insecurity and fears of kidnap attacks targeting schoolchildren.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the state had activated a proactive security measure to ensure a safer learning environment amid renewed criminal activities in parts of Kwara South.

According to him, the directive affects schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero LGAs, including boarding facilities considered potential targets.

Olohungbebe explained that intelligence reports indicated that kidnappers fleeing intensified military and police operations could attempt to use schoolchildren as human shields, making an immediate shutdown necessary.

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He said the measure underscores the government’s determination to curb the activities of violent criminals and prevent further disruption to educational activities across vulnerable communities.

“The directive covers all schools in the affected LGAs. Boarding schools in Irepodun are also included because they may be targeted by criminals running for cover amid widening security operations. The measure takes effect immediately and may remain until further security clearance is obtained,” the commissioner said.

The closure comes amid growing concerns over attacks on rural communities and schools in parts of Kwara, with security agencies ramping up crackdowns on kidnappers and criminal gangs operating in forested border areas.

Parents and community leaders have commended the government for the swift intervention, while security operatives continue surveillance across identified hotspots.

The state government assured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to restore peace and allow normal school operations to resume as soon as possible.

BREAKING: Kwara shuts schools in five LGAs over rising insecurity, kidnap threats