Bandits’ Rumour Keeps Pupils Away From Schools in Kwara

Many public schools in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, recorded low or zero attendance on Friday following a false alarm about an alleged bandits’ invasion raised by a woman on Thursday.

A visit to several schools across the metropolis showed that although teachers and other school staff were present, classrooms remained largely empty as parents kept their children at home over security concerns.

A parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she decided not to allow her children to attend school because the alarm had left her traumatised.

Schools located in Oke-Oyi, Eleko-Afeyin, Zango-Kulende, Danialu and Agbabiaka communities were among those affected, recording little or no student attendance despite assurances from security authorities that there was no threat.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, had earlier dismissed the report as false and announced that the command had launched a manhunt for the individual responsible for spreading the alarm.

He warned that the dissemination of false information capable of causing panic and public disorder would not be tolerated.

Reacting to the development on Friday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, reassured parents and guardians that schools remained safe for learning.

“Following the statement issued by the Police confirming that the reported bandits’ invasion was merely a rumour and not a real security threat, I wish to reassure parents, guardians and the general public that there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

“I have personally gone around some schools yesterday and today, and can confirm that the learning environment remains peaceful and conducive.

“I therefore enjoin all parents to allow their children and wards to resume school without fear, as the safety and well-being of our learners remain our utmost priority.”

Olohungbebe added that the state government would continue to collaborate with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for teaching and learning activities.