By Our Correspondent
Widespread fears triggered by rumours of bandit attacks on schools in parts of Niger State forced many parents in Suleja and surrounding communities to keep their children away from school on Thursday, despite official assurances that no such attacks occurred.
Checks conducted across several schools revealed low student turnout as concerned parents opted to keep their children at home following reports that bandits had allegedly targeted schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, and Sabon-Wuse communities on Wednesday.
The rumours sparked panic among residents, with many parents reportedly rushing to schools earlier in the week to pick up their children amid fears of possible abductions.
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Some schools also ended academic activities earlier than usual on Thursday. While school authorities attributed the decision to preparations for the Democracy Day public holiday observed on Friday, indications suggest that security concerns may have influenced the move.
A school proprietor explained that the early closure was routine.
“Tomorrow is Democracy Day, which is a public holiday. We are closing early today, just as we usually do on Fridays,” the proprietor said.
However, findings indicated that several schools had received prior notifications from parents who said their children would not be attending classes on Thursday and Friday due to security concerns.
One parent, who requested anonymity, said she decided to keep her three children at home rather than take any risks.
“The situation is frightening. The frequency with which bandits attack schools and abduct children is alarming. As a parent, I cannot afford to take chances with my children’s safety,” she said.
The Niger State Police Command, however, dismissed the reports of attacks on schools, describing them as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command said security operatives had verified the claims and found no evidence of any attack.
“Having visited all the schools mentioned in the affected areas, no such attack occurred in any school within the state,” the statement said.
The command urged residents to disregard the reports, describing them as the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create fear and panic among members of the public.
According to the statement, intelligence investigations have been launched to identify those responsible for spreading the false information.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was also said to have directed Divisional Police Officers to strengthen collaboration with school administrators under the school protection initiative, while ensuring increased police patrols around educational institutions.
Similarly, the Youth Wing of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Niger State cautioned against the dissemination of unverified security information.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Abdullahi Muhammad Ishaq, the committee warned that individuals or groups found spreading false security alerts could face investigation and prosecution.
“A strong warning is hereby issued to all persons and platforms involved in originating, sharing, or amplifying unfounded security rumours. Anyone found culpable of causing public disorder may be treated as an agent of chaos and subjected to appropriate legal action,” the statement read.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in schools across the country.
On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students, including toddlers, and seven teachers. One teacher, identified as Michael Ooko, was killed during the attack, while another was reportedly murdered while in captivity.
The recurring incidents have heightened anxiety among parents nationwide and renewed calls for stronger measures to safeguard schools and protect students from criminal attacks.
