By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Niger State Government has strongly urged residents across the state to disregard circulating reports of bandit invasions in the state capital, Minna, and other neighbouring communities, asking the public to go about their normal activities without fear.
The reassurance follows widespread panic sparked by social media reports alleging that bandits had invaded some schools in Minna and its environs, purportedly abducting pupils, students, and teachers. The viral rumours created a wave of anxiety, leading to the hurried closure of several affected institutions as panicked parents rushed to evacuate their children and teachers fled to their homes.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nana, issued a statement on Thursday clarifying that independent verifications and security assessments carried out by the appropriate authorities showed that no such incidents occurred. He maintained that the claims were entirely unfounded and deliberately designed to orchestrate unnecessary anxiety and fear among residents.
According to the commissioner, the clarification became highly necessary following the circulation of what he described as “false and misleading reports on some social media platforms alleging banditry attacks on schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse, Lambata, and other parts of the state.”
Nana further stressed that the state government, in robust consultation with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Niger State Police Command, and other relevant security agencies, can confirm that the school environment remains secure.
“The Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation wishes to reassure parents, guardians, students, and the general public that schools across Niger State remain safe, secure, and conducive for teaching and learning,” Nana stated. He encouraged parents and guardians to remain calm and continue sending their children and wards to school, noting that adequate security measures have been firmly put in place to safeguard lives and property.
In a swift follow-up to ensure maximum security, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to work hand-in-hand with school administrators. This directive is part of the ongoing school protection initiatives aimed at increasing police visibility and patrols to guarantee the safety of students, teachers, and their host communities.
Concurrently, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that the command has provided dedicated telephone numbers for members of the public to quickly contact the police command in the event of any security concern or suspicious activity within their areas.
