The police have dismissed reports that hoodlums attacked schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata communities in Niger State, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the police had visited all the schools mentioned and found no evidence of any attack.
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“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,” Mr Abiodun said.
The police urged residents to disregard the information, which it described as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to create panic and fear among members of the public, particularly within school communities.
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According to the statement, intelligence operatives have commenced investigations to trace the source of the false reports and bring those responsible to justice.
The police also reassured parents, students, and school administrators that adequate security measures are in place across schools in the state.
The commissioner of police, Adamu Elleman, had earlier directed divisional police officers (DPOs) to strengthen collaboration with school authorities as part of ongoing school protection initiatives.
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The police said visibility patrols have also been intensified around schools to ensure the safety of students, staff and surrounding communities.
The command advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns through its emergency lines.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state. It urged the public to verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic.
The false alarm comes amid lingering concerns over the safety of schools in Niger State and other parts of northern Nigeria following a series of attacks and abductions targeting students in recent years.
In Niger State, one of the most notable incidents occurred in May 2021 when armed bandits abducted scores of pupils from the former Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area. The students were held captive for several months before regaining their freedom.
The state has also witnessed other security incidents involving school children. In recent years, the abduction of students of St. Cathedral School, Papiri in Kontagora Local Government Area, further heightened fears among parents and education stakeholders, reinforcing calls for enhanced security around educational institutions.
Several communities across Niger State, particularly in Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, Mariga and parts of Kontagora and Magama local government areas, have faced recurring attacks by armed groups, leading to the displacement of residents and disruption of educational activities.
READ ALSO: Police debunk reported bandit attack on Ebonyi community
Across Nigeria, school abductions in places such as Kankara in Katsina State, Jangebe in Zamfara State, Afaka in Kaduna State, and Kuriga in Kaduna State drew national and international attention, prompting the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen the Safe School Initiative and other measures to protect learners and educational facilities.
Against this backdrop, security experts say reports of attacks on schools, whether true or false, often generate widespread anxiety among parents and communities. They therefore stress the importance of verifying information through official channels before sharing it.
The Niger State Police Command says it remains committed to ensuring the safety of schools across the state through intelligence gathering, collaboration with school authorities and regular security patrols around educational institutions.
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