Tension and uncertainty have engulfed Oko Town and nearby communities in Oyo State following widespread rumors of a planned attack by suspected armed bandits on schools in the area.
The alarming reports, which spread rapidly across parts of the South-West within the past two days, triggered panic among residents and forced many parents to keep their children at home, leaving several classrooms nearly empty.
The fear-driven situation significantly disrupted normal activities on Tuesday and Wednesday, as both public and private schools recorded extremely low attendance. Concerned school administrators reportedly advised parents to prioritize the safety of their children while awaiting clearer security updates.
The development also affected business activities in the community, with many residents avoiding crowded places and movements becoming noticeably reduced.
In response to the growing panic, security agencies launched an intensified operation across the affected areas. Joint patrol teams comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, the military, and local vigilante groups were deployed to strategic locations, especially along the busy Oko-Ejibo road linking several rural communities.
Community leaders appealed for calm while acknowledging the fears among parents and residents. One traditional leader noted that although the reports of an impending attack had not been officially confirmed, memories of past abductions in other parts of the country had heightened public anxiety. He stressed the need for sustained security measures to reassure residents that schools and communities remain safe from criminal threats.
Reacting to the situation, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, assured residents that the command had taken proactive measures to forestall any attack. According to him, tactical units, intelligence officers, and anti-kidnapping squads have been strategically positioned across vulnerable areas. He urged residents to disregard unverified rumors, remain vigilant, and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
