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Parents in parts of Lagos State rushed to schools on Monday to pick up their children following reports of a suspected bandit attack in communities around Eleko and Imota, causing authorities and the police to dismiss the claims as false.
The panic reportedly spread across schools in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, after messages circulated alleging the presence of bandits in the area.
“I was called from my children’s school that bandits are around Eleko and that we should pick up our children from school,” a parent whose children attend Davdan Nursery and Primary School, Eleko, told Punch.
“The directive was issued across the schools around this place, that schools should be closed and that parents should pick up their children. Children are all over the place now. They said all children should go home,” she added.
The Lagos State Police Command dismissed the claim. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the alleged attack as “false.”
Reacting to viral videos circulating on the incident, the police said they would carry out appropriate investigations before issuing further details.
“We will analyse the video and make a comment,” the PPRO said in a brief response.
Okoafo ilogbo, araromi secondary school okoafo, badagry lagos state.. parents rushing to pick up there kids. pic.twitter.com/sh8Z1kqgrz
— deltan messi (@talkless44) June 1, 2026
The panic was also linked to claims made during a call-in programme on GBEDU 100.1FM, alleging that two schoolgirls were killed by bandits at a primary school in Imota Local Council Development Area.
The station later apologised for airing the report without verification.
“During our live phone-in segment, we received calls from listeners alleging that ‘Imota is on fire’ and that ‘bandits are in a public school’ with ‘two girls affected’. In the urgency to inform, the information was aired without full verification from security agencies and community leaders,” the station said.
Following immediate checks with the Nigeria Police, local government officials, and community leaders, the station confirmed that “everywhere is calm in Imota. There is no bandit attack reported at any public school as of this time. No casualties have been recorded.”
“There is no bandit attack reported at any public school as of this time. No casualties have been recorded,” it further read.
The Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Sunday Ayodele, in a statement, described the claim as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
“There is no verified report, official record, or credible security information confirming the alleged incident within Imota LCDA,” the statement said.
The council warned that the spread of unverified reports could create unnecessary panic and urged residents to rely on credible sources and official security agencies for information on public safety.
“The safety and security of all residents remain a top priority of our administration, and we encourage everyone to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing their daily activities without fear,” Ayodele stated.
A headmaster at LG Nursery and Primary School, Agbowa, Odumeru Adekunle, told Punch that the alarm was triggered by an accident and not a security incident.
The radio station accepted responsibility for the lapse in professional standards.
“GBEDU 100.1FM regrets any fear, panic, or distress this unverified news may have caused parents, students, and residents. We take full responsibility for broadcasting the information before confirming facts. Journalistic ethics and the safety of our community remain our top priority,” the station stated.
