Banditry: False security alert sets Kwara in panic mode

There were reports of panic and commotion in the Ilorin metropolis on Thursday over claims that suspected bandits had invaded schools in parts of the state capital.

The Tribune gathered that parents and guardians rushed to schools to pick up their wards and children out of fear of possible attacks.

It was learnt that pandemonium was reported at about 9:15 a.m. around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, in the Ilorin East Local Government Area, following claims that suspected bandits had invaded the school premises.

Sources in the area said that some individuals referred to as kidnappers were actually travellers whose motorcycle developed a mechanical fault. This situation was reportedly misunderstood, leading to the spread of rumours and panic within the community.

In a statement by the NUT, Ilorin East branch, the teachers’ union said the rumour circulating about an alleged kidnapping incident at Government Girls Model Junior Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, was false and unfounded.

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“The individuals being referred to as kidnappers were travellers whose motorcycle developed a mechanical fault. Unfortunately, this situation was misunderstood, leading to the spread of unnecessary rumours and panic within the community.

“We, therefore, appeal to everyone to remain calm, disregard the false information, and continue with their normal daily activities without fear. We also urge members of the public to verify information before sharing it in order to avoid creating unnecessary tension and confusion.”

Meanwhile, the state Police Command has debunked the claims, describing them as false, and vowing to prosecute purveyors of fake security alerts.

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading information circulating within Oke-Oyi and adjoining communities alleging the presence of bandits in the area.

“At about 9:15 a.m., the Command received reports of panic and commotion around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, following claims that suspected bandits had invaded the school premises.

“Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, Oke-Oyi Division, promptly mobilised personnel to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the alarm emanated from a woman who reportedly rushed into the school premises claiming that bandits had arrived in the area. The unverified claim triggered panic among students and teachers, resulting in a temporary disruption of academic activities.

“The Command’s assessment confirmed that the report was entirely false and without any factual basis. There was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits, and no security breach within the school or anywhere in Oke-Oyi community or Kwara State.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, condemns the spread of false security alerts capable of creating fear, panic, and public disorder. He notes that the dissemination of unverified information, particularly on sensitive security matters, undermines public confidence and may divert critical security resources from genuine emergencies.

“The Command has commenced efforts to identify the individual responsible for raising the false alarm. The person, upon identification, will be invited for questioning and made to face the full weight of the law in accordance with extant legal provisions relating to the spread of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant but calm and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified security information. Members of the public are encouraged to verify security-related information through appropriate channels and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

“The Kwara State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state and assures residents that adequate security measures remain in place to guarantee their safety.”