Hundreds of parents on Thursday hurried to schools across parts of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Nasarawa State following reports of an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct pupils.
The scare, which spread rapidly through phone calls and social media messages, triggered panic in schools located in Nyanya and surrounding communities, prompting many parents to leave their workplaces and rush to pick up their children.
The development also affected schools in Mararaba, Ado and Koroduma communities in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where anxious parents besieged school premises over fears of possible attacks.
Witnesses said the rumour was linked to an alleged security threat reported around the Gbagalape area of Abuja, causing widespread concern among residents and school authorities.
As the tension mounted, several schools tightened security around their premises, locking their gates and restricting access to prevent unauthorised entry.
Despite the panic, checks by our correspondent revealed that normal academic activities continued in many schools, although administrators confirmed they had received security alerts and were taking precautionary measures.
A school administrator at Newphase Academy, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the management was informed of the alleged threat but assured parents that adequate safety arrangements had been put in place.
According to the administrator, the school decided to release pupils earlier than usual after receiving numerous requests from concerned parents who wanted to take their children home.
The situation created a surge in demand for transportation, with commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators reportedly cashing in on the panic as they ferried parents and pupils from schools to their destinations.
However, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command dismissed reports of any bandit invasion, describing the incident as a false alarm.
The command explained that preliminary findings indicated that the panic stemmed from misinformation allegedly circulated among students, stressing that there was no security breach or attempted abduction in any of the affected schools.
Police authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear, while assuring parents and school operators of adequate security across the territory.