Panic In Niger As Schools Shut Over Bandit Scare
Panic spread through Suleja in Niger State on Wednesday after reports of a suspected bandit scare in the Chaza area forced teachers and pupils to abandon schools and rush home for safety.
The situation created tension across the community as residents reacted quickly to the alarm.
Residents said the alert triggered confusion, with parents and children fleeing school premises while heavy rain added to the disorder.
Many pupils reportedly left classrooms abruptly as teachers struggled to maintain calm during the sudden evacuation.
A resident who spoke about the incident said he was alerted by his wife after rumours of bandit movement in Chaza, a community within Suleja.
He also said his child nearly collapsed while running from school as panic spread rapidly among students and staff.
School authorities were later said to have directed pupils to remain at home until further notice due to the tense situation.
The development adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Niger State and other parts of north-central Nigeria, where communities have continued to face repeated threats from armed groups.
