There was a panic mood at some schools in Nsukka town and its environs on Tuesday following alleged infiltration of the university community by bandits.
THE WHISTLER gathered that, out of fear, some parents evacuated their children and wards from schools before dismissal.
“We don’t play with insecurity because of what is happening in some parts of the country,” a parent said. “I heard that parents were carrying their children home before dismissal, so I did the same. I wasn’t the only person.”
A school proprietor along Enugu Road by Fenpark, on condition of anonymity, said she did not stop any parents from carrying their children out of her school.
“I didn’t stop any parent from carrying their children,” she said. “Our prayer is for security in our country. We are still in shock over what happened in Oyo. We don’t want a repeat anywhere. I know it’s rumour, but who knows what next?”
Our correspondent reported that there was fear of banditry on the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, weekend, following an alleged infiltration of the campus by people suspected to be Fulani herders. The Enugu State Police Command, however, debunked the reports, and urged residents to remain calm. Its PRO, SP Daniel Ndukwe, linked the report to a group he identified as “Anonymous”.
In a related development, the authorities in Ezeagu LGA of the state have dismissed reports claiming that schoolchildren were kidnapped at Awha Ward on Tuesday.
The authorities therefore assured the residents that no kidnapping incident of school children took place anywhere within the area.
A release from the council stated that, “Some disgruntled elements have been spreading rumours that school children were kidnapped at Awha Ward in Ezeagu LGA. As a responsible government, we want you to note that the information is false and misleading.”
The council said Ezeagu remains peaceful and secure, contrary to insinuations that the area was under threat from criminal elements.
The statement added, “No kidnapping incident or attempt to kidnap school children took place in our dear LGA. Ezeagu LGA is safe and not under siege from criminal elements as alleged.”
The council encouraged citizens to continue with their normal daily activities, insisting that adequate security measures remain in place across the area.
“We encourage Ndi Ezeagu to continue to perform their lawful duties as the environment is safe and secured.”
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