Fear Grips Abuja Schools as Parents Rush to Rescue Children Over Kidnap Alert

Panic swept through several schools in Abuja and neighbouring communities on Thursday after reports of a suspected bandit invasion triggered fears of a possible mass abduction of pupils.
The alarm, which reportedly originated from Phase 1 Primary School in Gbagalape, quickly spread across the Nyanya axis of the Federal Capital Territory, forcing anxious parents to abandon their workplaces and rush to schools to take their children home.
The scare also affected schools in Mararaba, Koroduma and Ado communities in Nasarawa State’s Karu Local Government Area, where worried parents flooded school premises following phone calls and messages warning of an alleged kidnapping threat.
As fear mounted, schools tightened security measures, locking their gates and restricting access to protect students and staff. Some schools also adjusted their closing times in response to requests from concerned parents.
At Newphase Academy, the school principal confirmed receiving reports of the alleged threat but noted that the situation remained calm within the school premises due to existing security arrangements. The school, however, dismissed pupils earlier than usual to ease parents’ concerns.
The situation created a transportation rush, with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators cashing in on the panic as desperate parents sought quick means to get their children home.
Despite the widespread anxiety, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command dismissed the reports of bandits targeting schools, describing the incident as a false alarm allegedly sparked by students.
The police urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.