Schools in Suleja, Niger State, were forced to close on Wednesday after reports of a bandit invasion alert sparked panic across the Chaza community. The scare, which occurred during a downpour, sent pupils and teachers fleeing as parents rushed to pick up their children.
A resident reports that his wife called him in the afternoon to report that bandits had been sighted in Chaza, an area on the Suleja axis. He said the news spread quickly and triggered chaos, with schoolchildren abandoning classes and running home for safety.
According to the resident, teachers also left in haste without waiting for the pupils, a development that worsened the panic. He added that his son nearly fainted from the rush and fear that gripped the school.
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The resident noted that Chaza is significant to him because he is building a house there while his family lives only minutes away. After speaking with the headmaster, he said pupils were instructed to stay home until further notice due to tension in the area.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity in Niger State, particularly in communities bordering the Federal Capital Territory. These areas have witnessed repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings in recent years. The latest alert has deepened fears among residents already anxious over persistent security threats in north-central Nigeria.
The Reporters could not independently verify all details of the evacuation. Attempts to reach Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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