SUNTV Global, February 16, 2026
Schools in several rural communities across Kwara State remained deserted on Monday as teachers, pupils, and parents refused to resume academic activities, citing fears of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, despite a government directive to reopen.
Sources who visited public schools in Ara town, Oyun Local Government Area, reported empty classrooms and abandoned school compounds. Muslim Community Junior Secondary School, Ira, was among the affected institutions, with no staff or students in sight.
“There was nobody in the school; no teachers, no pupils. Parents are afraid. Teachers are also scared. Nobody wants to risk their lives,” a community source told SUNTV Global.
The fear is not limited to Oyun LGA. Similar scenes were observed in Share, Ifelodun LGA, and parts of Kwara North, where insecurity has repeatedly disrupted daily life. Residents attribute the anxiety to ongoing armed group activity and recent attacks in rural areas.
Government Declares Schools Safe
The Kwara State Government had ordered schools to reopen statewide from February 2, 2026, citing improved security after operations against criminal elements. Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, assured the public that security forces remain deployed in affected areas.
“The government deems the situation now to be a lot better than it was before. Even so, we continue to maintain vigilance,” Olohungbebe said, adding that community cooperation and early-warning mechanisms are being strengthened.
Teachers Fear for Their Lives
Despite official assurances, teachers expressed reluctance to travel from Ilorin to rural postings due to reports of targeted attacks on educators.
“How do they expect us to travel to those villages when people are being attacked on the roads? Nobody has guaranteed our safety,” said a secondary school teacher in Ifelodun LGA.
Others described rural assignments as life-threatening, citing dangerous roads and lack of accommodations. Families have also discouraged teachers from returning, saying, “teaching is not worth your life.”
Sources indicate that teachers’ concerns have been repeatedly raised with authorities but largely ignored. Reports of attacks on educators in neighbouring states have intensified fear, making many unwilling to resume duties outside urban centres.
SUNTV Global earlier reported that thousands of children across Kwara have been out of classrooms since November 2025 due to insecurity and abductions. Despite government orders, the reality on the ground suggests that safety concerns continue to override official reopening mandates.
