Police clear air on school attack rumors in Niger State

The police have rejected claims that hoodlums attacked schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse, and Lambata communities in Niger State. They called the reports false and misleading.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said police visited all the schools mentioned and found no signs of any attack.

“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 ignore the rumors. They described the claims as a deliberate attempt by troublemakers to cause panic among the public, especially those in school communities.

The statement noted that intelligence officers have started investigations to find out who spread the false reports and bring them to justice.

The police also assured parents, students, and school administrators that they have put in place strong security measures at schools throughout the state.

The commissioner of police, Adamu Elleman, earlier instructed divisional police officers (DPOs) to work closely with school officials as part of ongoing efforts to protect schools.

The police said they have also increased patrols around schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and nearby communities.

They advised residents to report any suspicious activities or security concerns using their emergency lines. The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property in the state. They also encouraged the public to check facts before sharing information to avoid spreading panic.

This false alarm comes as concerns about school safety remain high in Niger State and other parts of northern Nigeria. This worries many people because of past attacks and abductions targeting students.

In Niger State, a notable incident occurred in May 2021 when armed bandits kidnapped many pupils from the former Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area. The students spent months in captivity before they were freed.

The state has seen other security incidents involving school children. Recently, the kidnapping of students from St. Cathedral School, Papiri in Kontagora Local Government Area, raised fears among parents and education stakeholders. This led to calls for better security around schools.

Many communities in Niger State, especially in Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, Mariga, and parts of Kontagora and Magama local government areas, have faced repeated attacks by armed groups. These attacks have caused many residents to flee and disrupted school activities.

Across Nigeria, school kidnappings in places like Kankara in Katsina State, Jangebe in Zamfara State, Afaka in Kaduna State, and Kuriga in Kaduna State have gained national and international attention. This has prompted the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen the Safe School Initiative and other measures to protect students and schools.

In this context, security experts say rumors of attacks on schools, whether true or false, create anxiety among parents and communities. They stress the need to verify information through official sources before sharing it.

The Niger State Police Command remains dedicated to keeping schools safe. They will continue gathering intelligence, collaborating with school authorities, and conducting regular patrols around educational institutions.