Panic As Schools Shut Down Over Fresh Kidnap Threats After Deadly Bandit Attack Leaves Three Dead

Fear and uncertainty swept across parts of Nigeria on Wednesday as several schools in Kogi, Edo and Niger states were forced to close following fresh security threats and reports of planned attacks by bandits targeting students.
The alarm comes barely weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, a development that intensified concerns over the worsening insecurity across the country.
The latest tragedy unfolded in Kogi State, where suspected bandits stormed the UBE Secondary/Primary School in Iluke, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, killing three people during a failed attempt to abduct students and residents.
Among those killed were the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, 70-year-old Sunday Alhassan, and six-year-old Sunday Ayele. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident, revealing that heavily armed attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles before security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
Police spokesperson Salihu Afusat disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised during the operation, while a security operative sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
According to the police, security personnel, including tactical teams, mobile police officers, military personnel and local vigilantes, swiftly responded to distress calls and successfully prevented what appeared to be a planned mass abduction. Authorities, however, said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack.
Meanwhile, fresh fears emerged in Edo State after intelligence reports allegedly uncovered a plot by bandits to kidnap schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
The Department of State Services reportedly intercepted two suspected bandits who confessed that schoolchildren had become their preferred targets after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate substantial ransom payments.
Following the security alert, the Edo State Government ordered the immediate closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The state Ministry of Education said the schools would remain shut until further notice, although candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue writing their papers under strict security arrangements.
Security agencies have since intensified surveillance around vulnerable schools and communities, insisting that proactive measures are being taken to prevent any attack.
In Niger State, rumours of an imminent terrorist invasion triggered panic among parents and students, leading to a mass rush out of schools in Minna and surrounding areas.
Parents hurriedly withdrew their children from classrooms amid fears that Christian schools were being targeted by armed groups.
However, the Niger State Police Command dismissed the reports as false, insisting that no school had been attacked. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun described the claims as the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to create fear and confusion.
The command added that officers had physically inspected the affected schools and found no evidence of any attack, while investigations had commenced to identify those responsible for spreading the rumours.
Amnesty International condemned the deadly attack in Kogi State and urged authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice while strengthening protection for schools and rural communities.
Student groups and community leaders have also expressed concern over the rising wave of kidnappings, killings and attacks across several parts of the country, calling for an urgent review of security strategies before more communities come under siege.
Adding to the growing anxiety, the Oyo State Police Command also dismissed viral social media reports claiming that suspected terrorists had infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
Despite describing the reports as false, the police said additional security operatives had been deployed to vulnerable areas to reinforce intelligence gathering and ensure residents remain safe.
As security agencies battle both real attacks and widespread panic caused by rumours, many parents remain worried that schools may increasingly become targets in the country’s deepening insecurity crisis.