Kwara Police Command Douses Tension As Scare Of Bandits Throws Ilorin Into Chaos

By Ayodele Oni

Kwara State Police Command has reacted to rumour of invasion of bandits in Ilorin, the State capital, which led to a break down of commercial activities.

A wave of fear, confusion and panic swept across parts of Ilorin and its surrounding communities on Thursday, following widespread, but unconfirmed reports that bandits had infiltrated the town and were targeting school children for abduction.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the spread of false security alerts, capable of causing public panic and disorder, warning that individuals responsible for circulating unverified information would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The rumour, which spread rapidly through phone calls, social media messages and word-of-mouth communication, triggered a mass exodus of parents from homes, offices, markets and business premises as they rushed to schools to retrieve their children.

The situation created scenes of anxiety rarely witnessed in the town. Distraught parents flooded school premises, while children were seen crying and clinging to teachers amid uncertainty over what was happening.

In several schools, academic activities were abruptly suspended as administrators struggled to manage the growing tension.

Teachers reportedly spent hours calling parents and guardians, urging them to come for their wards as fears of a possible security threat intensified.

Some schools released pupils earlier than scheduled, while others completely shut down activities for the day.

Roads leading to major schools witnessed unusual traffic congestion as hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles converged on educational institutions.