The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of schools across four local government areas following fresh security threats and a deadly bandit attack in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The directive, issued on Wednesday, was communicated through a circular released by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State Wing. In the circular obtained by Patriotic Insights News, the NUT Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Agboola, announced that primary and secondary schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun and Ekiti LGAs should shut down until further notice.

Agboola explained that the union acted on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after security agencies raised the alarm over escalating threats in Kwara South.

“The decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of government to control the situation. Treat this information with utmost urgency,” the circular stated.

Governor moves for Army base, Police Squadron

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment of Tuesday night’s attack on a church, said the state government would push for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in the troubled axis.

Three worshippers were killed and over 35 abducted when bandits invaded the church during a thanksgiving service.

The governor disclosed that he had contacted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the need for urgent reinforcement.

“We will see that a Forward Operating Base is established here. We are also speaking with the Inspector-General of Police for a mobile squadron,” he said.

He added that President Bola Tinubu was fully briefed on the attack, noting that the President cancelled his trip to the G-20 meeting in light of the incidents in Kwara and Kebbi States.

Residents recount night of horror

Survivors narrated how the attackers stormed the church, firing indiscriminately. Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were abducted, accused security agents of failing to intervene despite their proximity.

“We have soldiers and police here, but nothing was done. When we mobilised, the police even fired tear gas instead of helping,” he said.

A youth leader, Shola Peters, alleged negligence, saying the community had provided housing for the police officers.

“These are the same officers we supported. When we needed them, they failed us,” he said, calling for a probe of the division.

Church, CAN condemn attack

Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, leader of the attacked church, said the congregation had gathered for thanksgiving after the release of 18 previously kidnapped residents.

“This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church,” he said.

Similarly, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Coordinator for Ekiti LGA, said the incident appeared targeted at Christians.

“If people say there is genocide against the church, it can be justified,” he warned.

Protesters block major highway

Angry youths earlier barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as abandonment by security agencies, leaving travellers stranded for hours.

A vigilante member, who spoke anonymously, suggested possible foul play, citing similarities with past attacks that occurred shortly after local security structures were weakened.

Police assure swift action

Kwara Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who visited the community with the State Director of DSS, said an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) would be stationed permanently in Eruku.

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

Traditional ruler laments repeated attacks

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju, told the governor that the community had suffered multiple attacks since the beginning of the year.

“Farmers have fled. Teachers have left. We contribute money to free abducted residents. Our bad road makes the situation worse,” he said.

The Eruku attack adds to rising insecurity across border communities between Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states, where fleeing bandits have reportedly established new operational routes.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s push for military bases marks one of the most decisive steps yet toward securing the volatile axis.