Panic Forces School Closures After Bandit Attack on Kogi School

Schools in parts of Nigeria were shut early on Wednesday following fears of fresh bandit attacks, as security concerns spread across several states.

The closures came after suspected bandits attacked UBE Secondary/Primary School in Iluke, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, while reports of possible threats prompted heightened alert in schools in Edo State and Niger State.

The development comes only weeks after the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, an incident that drew widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over school safety across the country.

According to authorities, at least three people were killed during the attack on the Iluke school.

The victims were identified as Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of the school; Mr. Sunday Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The tragedy was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, Salihu Afusat.

Police said security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle during the incident.

According to the command, one of the suspected bandits was killed in the exchange of fire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The attack has heightened anxiety among parents, school administrators and community leaders, many of whom fear a repeat of recent school abductions witnessed in other parts of the country.

Security agencies are expected to increase surveillance around vulnerable schools as concerns mount over the safety of pupils and teachers.