Ekiti police debunk rumoured attacks on schools, warn against false alarms

The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports of alleged bandit attacks on schools across parts of the state, describing the claims as false alarms capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the Command expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing trend of fake security alerts being circulated by unidentified individuals in different communities across the state.

According to the statement, the false alarms were recently raised in schools located in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ifaki-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Omuo-Ekiti, Odo-Ado area of Ado-Ekiti, Otun, Efon, Igbemo-Ekiti and Ayetoro/Iloro High School, among other communities.

The police said the rumours triggered panic among students, pupils and residents, forcing many schools to shut down temporarily as learners scampered for safety over fears of impending attacks.

“The Command has noticed a disturbing trend currently happening in the state where false alarms are being raised by yet to be identified persons that bandits are or were attacking, or coming to attack some schools in the state,” the statement read.

While assuring residents of adequate security across the state, the police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or persons to security agencies instead of spreading unverified information.

The Command also warned that the spread of fake news and false alarms constitutes a criminal offence under Sections 24 and 59 of the Cybercrimes Act 2024 (as amended) and the Criminal Code, stressing that individuals found culpable would be prosecuted.

The police further appealed to residents to disregard the circulating rumours, verify information before sharing, and continue their lawful activities without fear, while remaining security conscious.

Residents were also advised to contact the Command through its emergency line, 08062355977, in cases requiring urgent security intervention.