Students of Ayetoro/Iloro High School in Ekiti fled in panic over suspected bandit activity, sparking renewed calls for tighter security.
Students of Ayetoro/Iloro High School in the rural Iloro-Ekiti community were thrown into panic on Thursday after reports of suspected bandit activity near the area forced the school to dismiss pupils early.
According to eyewitness accounts, the students were seen running along roads and through nearby bushes in fear after rumors spread about the presence of suspicious individuals, described by locals as “bad boys,” around the community. Viral videos circulating online captured frightened pupils in school uniforms scrambling for safety, with some climbing onto a police van for protection.
Despite the tension and fear that gripped the area, no attack was recorded and all students reportedly remained unharmed.
An eyewitness, Bowale Adepoju, said he encountered the distressed students while passing through the area and attempted to assist them as they fled in panic. The incident has since sparked concern among parents and residents, especially as insecurity continues to affect several communities across Nigeria.
Residents of Iloro-Ekiti are now calling on the government and security agencies to strengthen protection around schools located in remote areas. Many community members have demanded the establishment of police and military checkpoints to reassure residents and prevent future security scares.
The development has also renewed conversations about the growing fear of bandit attacks spreading from neighboring states into peaceful communities. Although the reports in Ekiti were unconfirmed, the incident highlights the anxiety many families face over the safety of students in rural schools.
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Parents and residents say improved surveillance, rapid-response security teams, and stronger intelligence gathering are urgently needed to ensure children can attend school without fear.
