The Kwara State government has closed 45 public schools and redeployed teachers due to rising insecurity and bandit attacks in several communities, including Babanla, Oke-Ode, and Sangbe.
Prof. Sheu Adaramaja, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, announced the closures during a press briefing in Ilorin, citing safety concerns for students and staff. Teachers from affected areas have been moved to safer schools.
To boost morale, the government also approved 2025 teacher promotions and abolished PTA levies in all public schools.
The action follows mass protests in Patigi LGA, where residents decried escalating violence, kidnappings, and the collapse of healthcare services after doctors fled due to insecurity. Protesters accused the government of neglect and called for the relocation of Kara Market, which they claim harbors criminal elements, as well as increased security patrols.
Community leaders warned that continued inaction could lead to economic collapse in Kwara North.
