The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the closure of 21 basic primary schools in the Bimbagu Circuit of the Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District in the North East Region due to escalating violence in the area.

Dalukirir Jakper Jolly, Supervisor for the Bimbagu Central and East Circuits, confirmed the closure, stating that the decision followed a directive from the Regional Director of Education.

The shutdown comes in response to renewed clashes between the Nanik and Bimbagu communities, which erupted at dawn on Friday, February 28. The conflict resulted in the deaths of three Nanik residents, including a teacher from Walewale, all of whom were burned beyond recognition.

Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed men attacked the community around 5 a.m., opening fire and setting several houses ablaze. Security personnel, who arrived two hours later, found that homes and food supplies had been destroyed in the violence.

Jakper Jolly explained that the closure was a precautionary measure to protect students and staff from potential spillover attacks.