Panic in Niger schools over rumour of bandit attack

Panic gripped schools in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Wednesday as students hurriedly abandoned classes following rumors of an impending bandit invasion. The fear was so palpable that pupils and students left before the official closing time, prompting anxious parents to contact school authorities and family members to confirm the safety of their children.

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Nobody wants to risk his life. Our three children attend a Catholic primary and secondary school in Bosso. Immediately I learnt about the terrorists’ invasion of Minna, I started calling my husband to find out if our children had left school and were at the shop.

Parents expressed deep concern, with one parent, Chinenye Nwadike, describing her frantic calls to her husband to ascertain if their three children had left school. She voiced fears that Christian schools might be specifically targeted, referencing the recent kidnapping of Christian children in Oyo State. This sentiment was echoed by a Reverend Sister, a principal at a Catholic school, who confirmed that many children fled her institution after hearing the rumors around 11:30 a.m.

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I learnt these terrorists target Christian schools. I understand all the children kidnapped from the Oyo school are Christians. Nothing must happen to our innocent children.

The principal stated she had received numerous calls from concerned parents and had contacted the Niger State Police Command. While the Police Public Relations Officer assured her there was no substance to the rumors, the uncertainty persisted. "I don’t know what to believe again because the way bandits are abducting schoolchildren and the government, both at the federal and state levels, appear helpless is a major cause for concern," she remarked.

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Since around 11:30 a.m. when I heard the news that bandits had invaded Minna and were targeting Christian schools, I have continued to receive calls from parents of my pupils wanting to find out if their children were safe and if they had closed the school for the day.

Another parent, Mr. Isah Usman, personally rushed to his son's school to retrieve him, suggesting that Thursday should be declared a public holiday due to the pervasive fear. He criticized the government's perceived inability to protect children, lamenting the lack of viable options when faced with kidnappings, especially when advised against paying ransoms.

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I don’t know what to believe again because the way bandits are abducting schoolchildren and the government, both at the federal and state levels, appear helpless is a major cause for concern.