Armed bandits killed a vice principal and abducted students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Kogi State, while fears of insecurity disrupted academic activities in Niger and Edo states, authorities and residents said.
The vice principal of Government Secondary School in Iluke, Bunu District, Kogi State, was killed during an attack on the community early Wednesday. Residents identified the victim as Gani Anifowose and said the area remains gripped by fear amid growing security concerns.
Community members also reported that several students from three neighboring communities were kidnapped while preparing to sit for the English Language examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
A representative of the community association called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to restore peace, protect residents and secure the release of those abducted.
In neighboring Niger State, reports of a possible bandit attack on schools in Minna sparked panic among students, many of whom left their classrooms and returned home before the end of the school day.
However, police dismissed claims that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata local government areas were attacked.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said officers visited the schools mentioned in the reports and found no evidence of any attack.
He urged the public to disregard what he described as false information intended to create panic in schools and communities.
Abiodun said Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman had directed divisional police officers to work closely with school administrators and increase security patrols around schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Meanwhile, the Edo State government ordered the closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned abduction.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The closures followed a leaked Department of State Services memo that warned of a suspected kidnapping plot targeting public schools in Edo North. The document stated that communications between suspects had been intercepted and that a suspected informant had been arrested.
Patrick Ebojele, chief press secretary to Gov. Monday Okpebholo, said the decision was taken to protect students, teachers and school personnel.
“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are suspended with immediate effect pending further directives from the government,” Ebojele said.
He added that students sitting for WASSCE examinations would still be allowed access to examination centers under strict security arrangements coordinated by school authorities, security agencies and community leaders.
The government urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to maintain public safety.
