Bandit panic forces school closures as security alert spreads

A deadly attack on a school in Kogi and intelligence reports of planned student kidnappings in Edo triggered early school closures and heightened security measures across affected communities.

School activities were thrown into disarray on Wednesday as fears of fresh bandit attacks forced some schools to close early in parts of Nigeria, according to reports by The PUNCH.

The panic followed a deadly assault on UBE Secondary/Primary School in Iluke, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where suspected bandits reportedly stormed the community with about 40 motorcycles.

Sadly, three people lost their lives during the attack, including Vice Principal Ganiyu Anifowose, 70-year-old Sunday Jacob Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

According to Kogi Police spokesperson Salihu Afusat, security operatives swiftly responded.

The police stated: “At about 10:00 a.m., the Command received distress information that a large number of heavily armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, had invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.”

The Police added that there was no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction, though investigations remain ongoing.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, at least three schools reportedly shut down after the Department of State Services warned of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren, especially in Edo North Senatorial District.

The DSS said intercepted communications revealed that suspected bandits were considering targeting students after failed attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals.

“During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to kidnap school children in Edo North Senatorial District,” the DSS noted.