Residents of Ogbomosho in Oyo State have been thrown into panic following rumours and fears of another possible terrorist invasion in parts of the ancient town, forcing many school children to flee from classrooms and rush home for safety.
The tension reportedly spread across several communities on Thursday morning after reports circulated that suspected armed terrorists had been sighted around nearby bushes and rural routes leading into the town.
Eyewitnesses said frightened pupils were seen running in groups along major roads, while some parents hurriedly stormed schools to pick up their children amid fears of a possible attack.
A trader in Oja-Igbo area, who spoke under anonymity, said the situation caused confusion and temporary closure of some shops and business premises.
“Children were crying and running. Parents became afraid because of recent insecurity incidents around Oyo communities. People did not want to take chances,” the source said.
Some residents linked the panic to recent kidnappings and attacks recorded in parts of Oyo State, including incidents involving travellers, school children and workers in rural communities.
Although there was no immediate confirmation of any actual attack in Ogbomosho as of the time of filing this report, the fear alone was enough to disrupt academic and commercial activities in parts of the town.
Security operatives were reportedly deployed to strategic locations to calm nerves and reassure residents. Local vigilante groups were also seen patrolling certain areas.
A parent, Mrs. Bose Adeyemi, lamented the growing climate of fear confronting families in the state.
“Our children can no longer study peacefully. Anytime there is a rumour, everybody panics because insecurity has become too frequent,” she said.
Community leaders have called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance across forests and border communities around Ogbomosho to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the area.
Residents also appealed for improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to tackle rising insecurity across the region.
Meanwhile, authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
The incident once again highlights the deep anxiety among Nigerians over the worsening security situation affecting many communities across the country.
