False bandit scare disrupts schools in Lagos
A wave of panic forced parents to withdraw their children from schools in parts of Lagos State on Monday following reports of a suspected bandit attack, which authorities have now dismissed as false.
The alarm spread across communities in Eleko and Imota after messages circulated claiming that armed bandits were operating in the area, prompting schools to ask parents to pick up their wards as a precaution.
Several parents responded quickly, leading to a rush at school premises and disruption of academic activities. Some schools in Eleko reportedly shut down early as concerns grew among residents.
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However, officials later clarified that there was no security breach, stating that the reports were based on misinformation. Local authorities linked the panic partly to claims made during a radio call-in programme, where unverified information suggested that two schoolgirls had been killed in Imota.
The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Benson Ayodele, said there was no confirmed incident, describing the report as misleading and without any official backing. He urged residents to rely on verified information from recognised sources to avoid unnecessary fear.
A school head in the area also explained that the confusion may have been triggered by an accident, not a security threat.
The broadcast station involved later admitted that the report was aired without proper verification and issued an apology.
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The Lagos State Police Command also dismissed the claims, stating that there was no evidence of any bandit attack in the affected areas. Police authorities added that available videos and reports would be reviewed as part of routine checks.
Officials have warned that the spread of false information could create avoidable panic and disrupt normal activities.
