Several public and private schools across parts of Osun State were forced to shut down on Tuesday following widespread rumours of an alleged bandit invasion, prompting panic among parents, students, and residents.
Schools located in Ila, Odo Otin, Boripe, Osogbo, and Olorunda local government areas reportedly suspended academic activities before midday as concerns over a possible security threat spread rapidly across communities.
In Osogbo, anxious parents were seen rushing to a public primary school in the Sasa area of Oke Baale to pick up their children after hearing reports of a suspected attack. Similar scenes were recorded in Eweta, a community in Ikirun along the Ikirun–Inisa Road, where many parents arrived at schools to take their children home before the official closing time.
Investigations revealed that the panic originated from the Ila-Orangun area early Tuesday morning. Reports circulating within the community alleged that a schoolgirl had been kidnapped at Faaje village along the Oyan Road in Ila-Orangun.
However, further findings later showed that the claim was unfounded. The girl at the centre of the rumour was reportedly not abducted but had allegedly hidden herself to avoid attending school.
A security source familiar with the situation disclosed that the false report quickly spread across neighbouring communities, including Ila-Orangun, the headquarters of Ila Local Government Area, and Oyan in Odo Otin Local Government Area, creating fear among residents and school authorities.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, dismissed the reports as false and reassured residents that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard schools across the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor urged residents to disregard what he described as misleading reports of school kidnappings. He stated that security assessments conducted across border communities and other parts of the state confirmed that no kidnapping incident had occurred.
The governor encouraged residents to continue their daily activities without fear, noting that the state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and security agencies, had already implemented strategies aimed at protecting schools and educational institutions.
He further assured parents and guardians that there was no cause for alarm, insisting that the rumour was deliberately spread to create panic and disrupt public peace.
Governor Adeleke also disclosed that the state’s Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) had been fully rehabilitated and were ready for deployment to areas requiring enhanced security presence. According to him, the vehicles were inherited in poor condition but have since been repaired and prepared for use in joint security operations.
He added that his administration is working on additional security measures that will further strengthen the protection of lives and property across Osun State.
The governor warned individuals involved in spreading false information capable of causing unrest, noting that local intelligence networks and security agencies are actively monitoring border communities and other identified vulnerable areas.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety, Adeleke stated that every necessary step would be taken to ensure the security of schools, students, residents, and public infrastructure throughout the state.
