Panic triggered by false abduction caused early school shutdown in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, a satellite town located a few kilometers away from the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.

The false alarm also saw parents rushing to schools to pick their children. 

Schools in Mararaba axis usually close between 2.00pm to 3:00pm on Thursday. Today, however, many schools were forced to close early because of false rumour that bandits were abducting pupils in schools in the area. 

In Aso, the Peoples Gazette saw schools gates shut and pupils trekking home earlier than the usual closing hour. 

A similar scenario was noticed on NEPA Road and Abacha road axis of Mararaba.

Contacted, the state police spokesperson, Abdulrahman Nansel, dismissed the rumour, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities. 

“It is not true. The incident did not happen in Nasarawa. Investigations show it is mere rumour. So we are urging members of the public to remain clam and go about their lawful business,” Mr Nansel told The Gazette.

Recall that on May 15, bandits stormed three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and kidnapped about 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The development triggered outrage and protests as citizens demand action from both the state and federal governments to ensure their freedom.