Panic in Osogbo, Others as Schools Shutdown to Alleged Threat Letter by Bandits

A wave of panic swept through Osun State on Tuesday, forcing an abrupt shutdown of both public and private schools following the circulation of an alleged threat letter from suspected bandits. The fear began in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area, before spreading rapidly to Obaagun, Iree, Eripa, Otan-Ayegbaju, Ila-Orangun, and eventually reaching the state capital, Osogbo.

Students were seen fleeing on the roads in terror as schools sent pupils home before 11 am. The situation escalated as parents rushed to schools in Sasa Area, Oke Baale, and Eweta community to retrieve their children. Affected institutions included Community Secondary Grammar School in Obaagun, Baptist High School in Iree, Eripa Grammar School, and several schools in Ila-Orangun.

The rumour was further fueled by an unverified report that a schoolgirl had been abducted in Faaje village along Oyan Road in Ila Orangun. However, security sources later confirmed the story was false, revealing that the girl had allegedly gone into hiding simply to avoid going to school.

Governor Ademola Adeleke swiftly dismissed the reports, describing them as the “handiwork of evil opposition elements” aiming to destabilize the state . In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor urged residents to remain calm. “I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. Our government has taken steps to secure our schools,” Adeleke said, adding that the Ministry of Education has worked out a security strategy currently being implemented.

The Osun State Police Command also weighed in, warning against the spread of fake news. Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that extensive security assessments had not substantiated the claims. “Anyone found spreading false information, capable of causing public disorder or inciting fear, will be investigated and prosecuted,” the command warned.

In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command dismissed separate rumors of bandit invasions in the Odigbo Local Government Area. Police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh assured residents that there had been no recorded security breach, urging schools to continue normal academic activities. Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke noted that the state’s Armoured Personnel Carriers have been refurbished and are ready for deployment to handle any security threats.