Nigeria's economic hub reimposes closure of schools due to protests

ABUJA - Nigeria's economic hub Lagos on Monday reclosed schools to ensure the safety of students, faculties and parents as protests against alleged police misconduct intensified.

"Schools are encouraged to utilize other means of distance teaching and learning, using the radio, television, and online media as they have been doing" during the recent COVID-19 lockdown, said an official statement by the government.

In recent days, "EndSARS" protests have taken place in major cities across Nigeria, demanding justice for those reportedly killed or maimed by the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit created to combat robberies in the country.

Hoodlums had allegedly hijacked the protests which had been peaceful for 13 days, according to the authorities.

Local police confirmed that some hoodlums attacked and injured policemen on duty and damaged a number of vehicles belonging to the anti-crime agency.

On Monday, protesters invaded some public institutions, as well as an airport in Lagos, disrupting flight operations.

Lagos is the only state that ordered the closure of schools due to the protests.

The government said the date of school resumption will be announced as soon as possible.