Police restore calm after false bandit alarm sparks panic in Bayelsa schools

Panic gripped parts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Friday as a false alarm about bandits in a school led to the abrupt closure of multiple educational institutions. The alarm, which originated from a Facebook post alleging militants had captured bandits and were demanding ransom, quickly spread fear among parents.

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The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the pandemonium and panic reported in some parts of the state in the early hours of today, 5th June 2026, is false and baseless.

In response, the Bayelsa State Police Command, led by Commissioner Iyamah Daniel Edebor, mobilized officers and deployed specialized units, including the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and the Drone Unit. These teams patrolled affected areas such as Ogbuna, Pulaku, Sabagreia, and Kaiama, securing schools like Ijaw National Academy and Gbarainowei Grammar School to reassure the public.

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The misleading post caused widespread panic, resulting in parents rushing to schools in Ogbuna, Pulaku, and other parts of the state to pick up their wards.

Normalcy has since been restored, with residents resuming their daily activities without fear. The police, however, continue to monitor the situation. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, advised the public to ignore unverified news and refrain from sharing information that causes unnecessary panic.

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In swift response, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, PSC, IICFIP, FOOSIS, immediately deployed and led operational assets including the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and the Drone Unit to Ogbuna, Pulaku, and adjoining environs including Sabagreia and Kaiama for on-the-spot assessment and restoration of order in Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama; Gbarainowei Grammar School, Okolobiri; and Fun-Tari Academy, Sabagreia.