The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of schools across Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti Local Government Areas following rising insecurity and a deadly bandit attack that rocked Eruku community on Tuesday night.

The directive was conveyed through a circular issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, said the union acted on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the state government raised alarms over fresh security threats in Kwara South.

“This is to inform you… to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,”
Agboola stated, urging school heads to treat the notice with utmost urgency.

Governor Mourns Victims, Seeks Army Base and Mobile Police Squadron

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, describing the attack as “unfortunate” despite ongoing security efforts. He disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in the area.

The Governor said he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on urgent reinforcements.

“We will speak with the GOC… to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron,” he said.

He added that President Bola Tinubu cancelled his trip to the G-20 meeting due to the Kwara and Kebbi attacks—a sign of the gravity of the situation.

Community Recounts Night of Horror

For residents of Eruku, the governor’s visit came on the heels of a night marked by terror, bloodshed, and pleas for help that reportedly went unanswered.

A resident, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were abducted, narrated their ordeal:

“They took my wife and our granddaughter… along with about 30 other people. We thought the gunshots were knockouts at first. By the time we mobilised, it was too late.”

He and other residents accused security agents—especially the police—of inaction and even obstructing community efforts to chase the attackers.

Another community youth leader, Shola Peters, said the police failed the community despite enjoying local support.

“Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us… The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division.”

He added that the youths confronted attackers armed with AK-49 rifles and machine guns using only a Dane gun and a pump-action.

Church Leader: Attack Came During Thanksgiving Service

The Pastor of the attacked church, Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits invaded.

“We were thanking God for their return, not knowing danger was lurking… They surrounded the church, shooting sporadically,” he said.

Three people were killed instantly, and at least 35 worshippers were abducted. The local Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the attack as an assault on the Christian community.

Protests Break Out as Youths Block Ilorin–Kabba Highway

Earlier on Wednesday, hundreds of angry youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway, accusing security agencies of abandoning them during the attack. Bonfires and roadblocks halted traffic for hours as protesters demanded justice and government intervention.

A vigilante member suggested possible foul play, noting similarities with previous attacks where security operatives were withdrawn shortly before bandits struck.

Police, DSS Promise Swift Action

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, and the Kwara State Director of the DSS visited the community, promising more deployments and a permanent Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for Eruku.

“We will bring the perpetrators to justice,” the CP assured.

Traditional Ruler: Community Has Been Under Siege for Months

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju, told the governor that the community has endured repeated attacks throughout the year.

“Our farmers have run away… All teachers have fled, and two of those who remained were kidnapped,” he lamented, adding that residents frequently contribute money to pay ransoms.

He blamed poor road conditions for delayed security response.

A Region Under Pressure

Security analysts say the Eruku attack reflects a worsening trend across Kwara’s border areas with Kogi and Ekiti—regions increasingly infiltrated by bandits fleeing military operations in other states. Weak border control, poor road access, and limited security presence leave rural communities vulnerable.

Governor Abdulrazaq’s push for an Army base and Mobile Police Squadron is seen as the state’s strongest move yet toward establishing a permanent security presence in the troubled region.

As residents grieve and schools shut their doors, communities across Kwara South wait anxiously for the next steps in restoring safety and normalcy.