Amotekun Clears Air on School Attacks in Ondo as Parents Withdraw Children

The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has denied reports of attacks on schools. They say there is no record of any disturbance in the schools.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Jimoh Adeniken, on Wednesday, the agency called the reports “false and misleading.”

Mr Adeniken confirmed there is no verified case of bandits invading or taking over any part of Ondo State as some people have claimed. He urged residents of the state to continue their daily activities and business as usual.

“The information being circulated about bandits in Akure is false. We advise the public to ignore such reports and stop spreading unverified information. Citizens should keep going about their daily activities and report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” Mr Adeniken said.

Panic Over Rumours

Rumours of bandit attacks on Wednesday made parents and guardians rush to schools to take their children home. The security situation in the state is still tense.

Even without any confirmed attacks, many women were seen leaving markets and their workplaces to secure their kids at schools. Initial reports suggested that St Loius High School in Akure was under attack, while later reports claimed Fiwasaye Girls High School was the target.

Though these reports were proven false, the panic was real and stirred up fear in communities around Akure. Earlier on Tuesday, a similar rumour spread across the Odigbo Local Government Area, suggesting that the local council had ordered schools to close due to fears of bandit attacks.

Local officials later clarified that no such order was made and that there were no threats to schools in the area. Residents pointed out that the panic is linked to a recent incident in Oyo, where school children and teachers were kidnapped, which has caught national attention.

Schools tried to reassure parents about their children's safety, but many were still anxious and took their children home. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ondo State protested on Tuesday, demanding the release of the kidnapped school children and their teachers. Civil society groups held a similar protest in Akure on Wednesday.

The Ondo State Government and the Police Command have also dismissed the rumours, assuring the public that residents are safe.

Increased Security Patrols

Mr Jimoh stated that Amotekun has instructed all Area commanders, coordinators, and heads of tactical units to maintain 24/7 special patrols across all 18 local government areas. This includes schools, churches, public places, and other key locations to prevent and fight any criminal activities.

He urged residents not to panic or share unverified information that could create fear or unnecessary tension among the people. Mr Adeniken reaffirmed the corps' commitment to keeping the people of Ondo State safe and ensuring a secure environment for everyone.