No Bandit Attack On Minna Schools, Niger Govt Urges Calm

The Niger State Government has urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities, dismissing reports of bandit invasions in Minna, the state capital, and other communities.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nana, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday, following panic caused by reports that some schools in the state had been invaded by bandits.

The reports, which also alleged the abduction of pupils, students and teachers, led to tension in parts of Minna and its environs, with some schools hurriedly shutting down and evacuating pupils and staff.

Nana said the government had consulted with relevant authorities and confirmed that the reports were false.

He said the clarification became necessary after claims circulated on social media alleging banditry attacks on schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse, Lambata and other parts of the state.

“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.

“This clarification becomes necessary following the circulation of 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,” the statement read.

According to him, the Ministry of Information and Orientation, in consultation with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Niger State Police Command and other relevant security agencies, confirmed that the alleged incidents did not occur.

“The Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Niger State Police Command, and other relevant security agencies, can confirm that the reported incidents did not occur,” Nana said.

The commissioner said security assessments and independent checks conducted by appropriate authorities showed that the reports were unfounded.

He described the claims as an attempt to create fear and unnecessary anxiety among residents.

“Security assessments and independent verifications conducted by the appropriate authorities have established that the claims are entirely unfounded and designed to create fear, panic, and unnecessary anxiety among residents,” he stated.

Nana assured parents, guardians, students and teachers that the government remained committed to protecting lives and property, especially within school environments.

He added that the state government was working with security agencies, school authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen security around educational institutions.

“The Niger State Government remains fully committed to the safety and welfare of students, teachers, and all members of school communities. In line with this commitment, the government continues to work closely with security agencies, school administrators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen security architecture around educational institutions across the state,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to parents and guardians not to panic or withdraw their children from schools based on unverified reports.

He said adequate measures had been put in place to protect pupils, students, teachers and school communities across the state.

“Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to remain calm and continue sending their children and wards to school, as adequate measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property within and around school environments,” Nana added.

The government also urged members of the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified security claims capable of causing panic.

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, has also directed Divisional Police Officers across the state to work closely with school administrators to ensure the safety of students, staff and host communities.

The directive is part of school protection initiatives and increased police visibility patrols around educational institutions.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a separate statement on Thursday, June 11.

Abiodun said members of the public should promptly report any security concern or suspicious movement to the police through the contact numbers provided by the command.

The police said the measure was aimed at strengthening confidence among residents and preventing panic caused by false information.