GES Shuts Down 21 Schools in Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District Amid Escalating Violence

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has shut down 21 primary schools in the Bimbagu Circuit of the Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District in the North East region, following a surge in violent attacks between two rival communities.

The closures come after a deadly raid on the Nanik community, where three people, including a teacher, were brutally murdered and burned beyond recognition.

Dalukirir Jakper Jolly, the Supervisor for the Bimbagu Central and East Circuits, confirmed the closure of the schools.

He explained that the decision was made following instructions from the Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, who cited ongoing violence as the primary concern.

The violence erupted on the morning of Friday, February 28, when heavily armed men stormed Nanik, launching a series of shootings and setting fire to homes and food supplies.

The attack, which took place around 5 a.m., resulted in the deaths of three residents, including a 27-year-old teacher from Walewale, who had been posted to Nanik two years earlier.

Security forces, who arrived two hours after the attack, reported widespread arson, with many houses in the community completely destroyed.

In light of these developments and fears of further escalation, local authorities have taken precautionary measures to protect the safety of students and staff.

The violence between the Nanik and Bimbagu communities is believed to have been sparked by tensions over the elevation of the Nanik Chief to paramountcy status, a decision opposed by residents of Bimbagu.

Earlier, the Bimbagu chief and his people had petitioned the National Security and the National House of Chiefs, urging them to halt any attempts to elevate the Nanik chief.

The closure of the schools is expected to remain in place until further security assessments are made, with the GES prioritizing the safety of students and staff in the volatile region.

The situation remains tense, and many fear that the conflict could spread further, threatening additional communities in the Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri district.