By Sandra Ugwu

Schools in parts of Nigeria were shut on Wednesday following a deadly bandit attack on a school community in Kogi State and fresh security alerts warning of possible kidnappings targeting students in other states.

The heightened concern comes amid growing anxiety over the safety of schools across the country, weeks after the abduction of pupils in Oyo State drew widespread condemnation.

In Kogi State, at least three people were killed when heavily armed bandits invaded Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The victims included the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, a 70-year-old resident, Mr. Sunday Alhassan, and a six-year-old child, Sunday Ayele.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles and were believed to be planning a mass abduction of students and residents before security forces responded swiftly.

Police spokesperson Salihu Afusat said a coordinated operation involving police officers, military personnel, tactical teams and local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a gun battle. One bandit was reportedly neutralised, while a security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

Although authorities said there was no confirmed evidence of a successful mass abduction, investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack.

The incident triggered fresh concerns in Edo State, where the government ordered the temporary closure of three schools following intelligence reports of a planned mass kidnapping of students in Edo North Senatorial District.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, all located in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The security alert reportedly originated from intelligence gathered by the Department of State Services, which indicated that suspected bandits were considering schoolchildren as targets after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield significant ransom payments.

Despite the closures, students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination were allowed to continue their examinations under strict security arrangements.

In Niger State, rumours of an imminent terrorist attack on schools sparked panic among parents and students, leading many children to leave their schools early.

Several parents rushed to pick up their children, while school authorities fielded numerous calls from concerned families seeking assurances about their safety.

However, the Niger State Police Command dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting that no attacks had occurred in the affected areas. The command said investigations had been launched to identify those responsible for spreading the rumours.

Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command debunked social media reports alleging the infiltration of terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The police described the claims as unfounded but disclosed that intelligence and security operatives had nevertheless been deployed to vulnerable locations to strengthen surveillance and reassure residents.

Reacting to the Kogi attack, Amnesty International condemned the killings and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice while improving protection for schools, students and rural communities.

The National Association of Okun Students also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the region and called for an urgent security summit involving traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders and security agencies.

The association said recurring incidents of kidnappings, attacks on travellers and invasions of communities had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, stressing that residents deserve to live and pursue education without constant threats to their safety.

As security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further attacks, the latest developments have renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved school security measures and closer collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies to curb the growing menace of banditry across the country.