Several public and private schools in the Nyanya axis of the Federal Capital Territory were thrown into panic on Thursday following reports of an alleged plot by bandits to abduct school children for ransom.
The scare, which reportedly originated from Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, quickly spread across communities and social media platforms, prompting anxious parents to rush to schools and withdraw their children as a precautionary measure.
The development also affected schools in Mararaba, Koroduma and Ado communities in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where concerns over the reported threat sparked similar reactions among parents and guardians.
Many parents, alerted through phone calls and messages, reportedly left their workplaces to pick up their children amid fears of a possible security breach.
However, visits to some of the affected schools revealed a calm atmosphere, with school authorities maintaining that no security incident had occurred within their premises.
School administrators confirmed receiving alerts about the alleged threat and said precautionary measures were immediately activated to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
As part of those measures, school gates that normally remain open during operational hours were locked and access restricted to prevent unauthorized entry.
At Newphase Academy, the principal, who declined to be identified, confirmed that the school had received information about the alleged threat but stressed that adequate security arrangements were already in place.
She disclosed that pupils were allowed to leave for home by 2 p.m., one hour earlier than the usual closing time, following requests from concerned parents.
The situation also created increased demand for transportation services, with commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators reportedly charging higher fares as parents hurried to move their children to safety.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed reports of any bandit invasion of schools in the area.
According to the police, the widespread panic was triggered by a false alarm allegedly raised by students, assuring residents that there was no confirmed security threat to schools within the affected communities.
