Bandits Attack: Panic As Parents Rush To Pick Children From Schools In Niger

… It’s a False Alarm, Security Is On Alert- Niger Govt

Fear grips residents of Minna and other major towns as parents and residents rush to pick their children from schools following rumours of bandit attacks on some schools across Niger State.

According to the reports, parents, especially in Minna, the state capital, were seen scrambling to pick up their children from schools as the news filled the social media space of rumoured attacks in Lambata in Gurara LGA, Sabo Wuse in Tafa LGA and Bosso, Chanchaga, Maikunkele and Kpakungu areas of Minna metropolis.

School teachers and workers, as well as civil servants at the State Secretariat, were seen rushing out from their offices, thereby causing more Pandemonium.

In a swift response, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, dispelled the rumour, saying, “The security agencies in the state are on alert and combat-ready for any eventuality.

He said in a statement made available to Journalists that the rumour is untrue and unfounded.

He then urged the general public to disregard the speculation and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of any suspected attacks.

Also, the Niger State Police Command has refuted the claims, saying it is a false alarm.

According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, “the Command wishes to respond to the false and misleading report circulating in public space, alleging that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata areas were attacked by hoodlums.

“The Command hereby states categorically that, having visited all the schools mentioned in these areas, no such attack occurred in any school within the State.”

He then urged members of the public to disregard the false information, saying, “It is suspected to have originated from mischief makers to cause panic and fear in the public and school environment.”

He, however, disclosed that an intelligence investigation has commenced to unravel the source of the false report, identify and arrest the mischief makers.

The Police Spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, had earlier directed DPOs to work closely with school administrators in line with school protection initiatives and ensure police visibility patrols around the schools for the safety of students, staff and the community.