The Lagos State Police Command has moved to reassure parents and residents after a threatening notice allegedly warning of a planned abduction of schoolchildren was discovered at a school in the state.
The message, purportedly written by bandits, was found at New State Schools in the Mushin area of the state.
This prompted an immediate security response from the police, which said there was no verified intelligence indicating any imminent attack.
According to a message said to have been sent by the school’s proprietress, Ms. Oyeronke Atilade, staff arrived at the school on Monday morning and found the notice.
Atilade said: “This morning we came to school and met a notice from bandits informing us that they are coming on Wednesday to carry our children.”
She said the threat appeared similar to incidents reported elsewhere in the country.
Atilade said: “I understand that this is the same thing that happened at Oyo and another place.”
The proprietress said the matter had already been reported to security agencies and local authorities.
Atilade said: “We have gone to inform the local police.
“I have called the Mushin LGA Chairman and left him a message. I am waiting for his response.”
Calling for vigilance, she appealed for support to ensure the safety of the children.
Atilade said: “Please we need all the help we can to protect our children.
“They may not come on Wednesday, it may be later, but we need to be on high alert and the children have to be protected at all times.
“If there is anything I should do please let me know.
“I am praying and thinking of what I can do and who to call.
“Please keep us in your prayers.
“Thank you.”
The message circulated widely on social media, raising concerns among parents and residents.
Reacting on Monday, the Lagos State Police Command said it had commenced an assessment of the situation.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command said there was currently no verified intelligence suggesting an imminent attack.
Adebisi said: “The Lagos State Police Command has seen reports of a threatening notice allegedly pasted at a school, claiming that bandits intend to attack and abduct school children.
“The Command wishes to reassure parents, guardians, school authorities, and all residents that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of such an attack within Lagos State.”
The police urged residents to remain calm while assuring the public that all security concerns were being treated seriously.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has ordered an immediate assessment of the situation and directed enhanced security measures around the affected area and other strategic locations.
Adebisi said: “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed immediate assessment of the situation and ordered watertight security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the State.
“Police personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been deployed to ensure the safety of schools, critical infrastructure, and communities.”
The command stressed that Lagos remained secure and warned criminal elements against any attempt to threaten public safety.
Adebisi said: “The Command wishes to emphasise that Lagos State remains secure and that every lawful measure is being taken to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating or operating within the State.
“The Command will not tolerate any attempt by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents.
“Any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic, or insecurity will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.”
