Panic erupted in a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after frightened parents stormed Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III and forcefully withdrew their children over rumours of a bandit attack in a nearby area.
The incident followed reports circulating within the Ajawa axis that armed bandits had allegedly invaded surrounding communities. A video and photographs obtained from the scene showed chaotic moments as parents rushed into the school, forced open the gates, and hurriedly evacuated their children amid confusion and fear.
A community source said the panic was triggered by unverified claims linking local unrest to suspected bandit activity. According to the source, school authorities repeatedly assured parents that there was no bandit invasion, but many refused to listen and proceeded to take their children home.
Teachers at the school reportedly attempted to restore calm by contacting security operatives, who clarified that the situation was linked to a local clash rather than a bandit attack. Despite these efforts, tension remained high as parents continued withdrawing pupils.
The development comes amid growing insecurity concerns in parts of Oyo State following recent attacks and kidnappings in the Ogbomoso axis, including the abduction of teachers and students, one of whom was later killed, further heightening fear across affected communities.