Police Debunk Reports of School Attacks in Niger State

The Niger State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging attacks on schools in parts of the state, describing the claims as false and intended to create fear among residents.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Minna, following the circulation of reports claiming that hoodlums had attacked schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata.

According to Abiodun, the command immediately launched investigations and conducted physical visits to all the schools mentioned in the reports. Findings from the exercise showed that no attack occurred in any of the affected locations.

“The command hereby states categorically that having visited all the schools mentioned in the said areas, there was no such attack in any of the schools within the state,” he said.

He urged members of the public to disregard the reports, noting that they appeared to be the handiwork of individuals seeking to spread panic and misinformation among residents and school communities.

The police spokesman disclosed that intelligence investigations had been initiated to trace the origin of the false reports and identify those responsible for circulating them.

Abiodun stressed that spreading false security information could cause unnecessary anxiety, disrupt public activities and undermine efforts by security agencies to maintain peace and order.

To further strengthen security around educational institutions, he said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adamu Elleman, had directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state to work closely with school administrators under the ongoing school protection initiative.

The initiative, according to him, is aimed at enhancing the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities through improved collaboration between schools and security agencies.

He added that police patrols and surveillance around schools would continue as part of measures to reassure residents and maintain a secure learning environment.

The command also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, activities or security concerns through the police emergency lines and other established channels.

Abiodun reiterated the commitment of the Niger State Police Command to protecting lives and property and ensuring that schools across the state remain safe for teaching and learning.