Ojokor College
The Lagos State Government has moved to calm rising fears after reports of a suspected kidnapping incident at a school in the Ojokoro area sparked panic among parents and residents on Thursday.
Authorities confirmed that there was no bandit attack or security breach at Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College, explaining that the incident resulted from a supervised classroom exercise that was misunderstood and escalated into widespread alarm.
According to the Lagos State Education District 1, which oversees public secondary schools across Agege, Alimosho, and Ifako-Ijaiye, the school was conducting its weekly co-recreational learning activity when the confusion occurred.
The exercise reportedly involved a dramatic demonstration designed to educate students on the realities of kidnapping and banditry.
However, the use of highly realistic props and reenactment methods, including the depiction of armed attackers and a simulated abduction scenario, triggered fear among students and staff.
The situation escalated when the demonstration was not adequately communicated to all stakeholders within the school, leading to panic-driven reactions.
Some students reportedly fled the premises, while concerned parents rushed to the school after misinformation spread rapidly across social media.
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Residents of nearby communities also expressed alarm, with many temporarily abandoning normal activities amid fears of a security breach.
The Lagos State Government, however, clarified that the situation was quickly brought under control, adding that law enforcement officers were immediately deployed to the scene to restore calm and verify the facts.
Community leaders and residents have since criticized the exercise, describing it as poorly timed and unsuitable given the current sensitive security climate in the country.
The Residents Association of the LSDPC Estate in Ojokoro further noted that while the intention behind the role-play may have been educational, the lack of prior notification to school authorities and the surrounding community contributed significantly to the panic.
Authorities confirmed that the teacher involved has been invited for questioning by the police as investigations continue into the incident.
The government has urged residents to disregard false reports and rely on verified information from official channels, reiterating its commitment to maintaining safety and order in all public schools across the state.
Asenexpress will continue to monitor developments.
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