Many public schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, recorded low or zero student attendance on Friday following a false alarm of a bandit invasion that spread across parts of the state capital.

Although teachers and other school staff reported for duty, several classrooms remained empty as many parents kept their children at home over security concerns.

A parent, who spoke anonymously, said she decided not to send her children to school because the false alarm on Thursday left her traumatised.

Schools in Oke-Oyi, Eleko-Afeyin, Zango-Kulende, Danialu and Agbabiaka communities were among those affected despite assurances by the Kwara State Police Command that there was no security threat.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, had dismissed the report as false and announced that the command had launched a search for those responsible for spreading the rumour, warning that such actions could cause public disorder.

Reacting to the situation, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, urged parents to allow their children to return to school, assuring them that the learning environment remains safe.

“Following the statement issued by the Police confirming that the reported bandits’ invasion was merely a rumour and not a real security threat, I wish to reassure parents, guardians and the general public that there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

Olohungbebe said he personally visited some schools on Thursday and Friday and confirmed that they remained peaceful and conducive for learning.

He added that the state government would continue to work closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of schools across Kwara State.