Several schools in parts of Nyanya in Abuja and neighbouring Mararaba in Nasarawa State were shut on Thursday following reports of an alleged security threat that triggered panic among parents and school authorities.
In Mararaba, schools in the Aso A and B areas reportedly suspended academic activities as parents rushed to pick up their children.
At Aso B, parents were seen arriving at schools to take their children home. Among the affected schools were Henjodan Primary and Secondary School and Merit Gate Scholar Academy, which are located close to each other.
Sources said the management of both schools directed students to return home as concerns spread over reports of an alleged attack on a school in Nyanya by persons suspected to be bandits.
One student of Henjodan, who spoke with LEADERSHIP, said the principal instructed students to leave the premises following the circulating reports.
“There was information that something happened in Nyanya and we were asked to go home,” the student said.
However, as of press time, there was no official confirmation of any school attack or abduction linked to the incident.
Police had earlier denied reports that schoolchildren were kidnapped in Nyanya and indicated that more details would be provided.
Efforts to obtain comments from school authorities and security agencies were not successful.
