Fear and rumours of school kidnappings have disrupted academic activities across parts of Lagos and Ogun states following the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in Oyo State, according to Saturday Sun.
The ripple effects of the May 15 abduction of 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are being felt far beyond Ogbomoso.
According to Saturday Sun, waves of rumours and false alarms about impending bandit attacks have triggered panic across several communities in Lagos and Ogun states, forcing parents to keep children away from school and disrupting learning activities. While no kidnapping incidents have been confirmed in the affected areas, fear has spread rapidly among residents.
Key Developments
- Rumours of bandit attacks sparked panic in parts of Lagos and Ogun
- Parents rushed to schools to withdraw their children
- Attendance dropped sharply in some schools
- Academic activities were disrupted after Eid Kabir holidays
- Residents called for stronger security around schools
At St. Saviour Anglican Primary School, Igbaga, Ikorodu, Principal Education Officer Mrs. Ezemba Francisca Ifeoma said attendance had plummeted. “In my class there are almost 100 pupils, but I did not see up to 20,” she said, adding that worried parents were refusing to send children back to school.
In Ogun State, engineer Babatunde Soniregun said he abandoned work to pick up his children when rumours spread in his community. Meanwhile, residents in Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas reported similar panic, with some schools temporarily shutting down. Parents and community leaders are now urging authorities to strengthen security around schools and restore public confidence.
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