Panic spread through a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after rumours of a nearby bandit attack surfaced.
Terrified parents rushed to Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III to withdraw their children from classes. Many forced open the school gate as fear and confusion grew across the area.
Residents said the rumours claimed armed bandits had attacked communities around the Ajawa axis.
Videos shared online showed parents running into the school premises and taking their children home in a hurry.
A community source said fear drove many parents to act quickly despite repeated assurances from school officials.
“The parents stormed the school and started taking their children away,” the source said.
The source added that school authorities told parents there was no bandit attack in the area.
According to the source, teachers contacted security operatives for clarification.
“The teachers said the police informed them that the violence involved a clash between Fulani herders and farmers,” the source explained.
Many residents remain worried because of recent attacks on schools in Oyo State.
Last Friday, armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers kidnapped pupils, students, and teachers.
The victims included the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu.
Reports also confirmed the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun.
The panic disrupted activities at Ijeru Baptist Basic School. Parents removed many pupils before the end of the school day.
Residents said fear continues to spread across several communities. Many people now worry about the safety of schools in the state.
Several videos circulating online also show abducted teachers pleading for government intervention.
