Panic spread in a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after parents rushed to a primary school and withdrew their children over fears of a possible bandit attack in a nearby area.
The incident happened at Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III, following rumours that armed attackers had invaded communities around the Ajawa axis. The claims sparked widespread confusion and alarm among residents.
A viral video and images showed distressed parents forcing their way into the school compound, opening gates and quickly evacuating pupils amid tension and uncertainty.
A local source said the panic was triggered by unverified reports linking violence in a neighbouring area to suspected bandit activity. Despite reassurances from school authorities, many parents proceeded to take their children home.
Teachers reportedly tried to calm the situation and contacted security operatives, who clarified that the unrest was connected to a local conflict rather than a bandit invasion.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of rising insecurity concerns in parts of Oyo State, following recent school attacks and kidnappings in nearby communities. Fear has continued to spread among residents, especially after reports of abductions and killings of school staff in the region.
