Bandits Burn Niger Primary School After Collecting N10 Million Levy, Trigger Panic Over Child Safety
Armed bandits have reportedly burned down a primary school in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, raising fresh concerns about children’s safety and access to education.
Residents said the attackers set fire to Central Primary School, Dekara, during an attack on the community on Wednesday. The school was completely destroyed.
A community member, who spoke anonymously, said the armed group came from the Kainji Lake National Park and entered the town without resistance.
According to him, residents in Dekara District had earlier raised and paid a N10 million levy demanded by the bandits. The payment followed threats of further attacks if they failed to comply.
“The money was paid because they warned us they would attack if we refused,” he said. “Despite that, they still came and burned the school.”
The incident has left children without a safe place to learn, deepening concerns about the protection of learning spaces in the area. Parents say the destruction threatens education continuity and increases fear among schoolchildren.
In a separate incident, the armed group also attacked Dnakau, Lanta, and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area.
During the attacks, one person was killed, while another was abducted. The abducted person was identified as Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo.
Another affected person, Emma from Bagna community, sustained gunshot injuries during the raid and is receiving attention.
The repeated attacks highlight growing risks to child safety, especially in rural communities where schools remain vulnerable to violence and disruption.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response at the time of filing this report.
