Confusion and panic gripped Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College in the Ojokoro area of Lagos on Wednesday morning, after a classroom demonstration on banditry was mistaken for a real attack, triggering a stampede among students, teachers and residents.

The incident occurred at Tigbetigbe Street in the Ojokoro area of Lagos during the weekly National Awareness Day programme observed in schools across the state.

According to reports, the theme of the day’s awareness session was banditry.

In an effort to make the presentation more practical and engaging, a teacher reportedly dressed up as a bandit to illustrate the appearance and tactics of criminal groups to students.

However, the exercise took an unexpected turn when the teacher arrived at the school assembly ground.

An eyewitness explained that the sight of the teacher in the costume caused immediate panic among students, who believed an actual bandit had invaded the school.

“As soon as the teacher stepped out of his vehicle and approached the assembly ground, confusion erupted. The students thought he was a real bandit and began running in different directions,” the witness said.

The panic quickly spread beyond the school, affecting students in three other schools located within the same educational complex.

“Students from the neighbouring schools heard people shouting, ‘Bandits! Bandits!’ and also fled. Some teachers joined in the rush to safety, and the entire school environment, including nearby streets, became chaotic,” the eyewitness added.

The situation prompted worried parents and guardians to rush to the schools to evacuate their children after hearing reports of an alleged attack.

Another resident who witnessed the incident recounted how rumours of a violent invasion spread rapidly.

“I was on my morning walk when I saw students running frantically. When I asked what was happening, they said bandits had entered their school and were killing people,” the resident said.

Alarmed by the claims, the resident proceeded to the school premises to verify the situation.

“On getting there, I met one of the principals, who explained that the panic was caused by a teacher attempting to dramatise the awareness topic on banditry,” the witness added.

A resident of the area, Joshua Ekong, also confirmed that the misunderstanding generated widespread anxiety among residents and caused significant disruption in the community before the true circumstances became known.

The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public Secondary Schools in Akoko- Edo Local Government Area of the State.

The public schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The State Ministry of Education disclosed this in a circular dated June 9, 2026 and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

The statement said the closure of the schools followed the security alarm raised by the State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged mass abduction of school children in Edo North senatorial district.

The statement signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.

The ministry, however, directed that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) should be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.

It said the candidates should be supervised as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

“Consequently, and in line with the Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect

“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry.

“However, candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders”, it added.

The ministry also directed the affected principals of the schools to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.

It further ordered the principals to secure all school facilities and property during the period of closure as well as maintain close communication with the Ministry, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.

It urged the principals to comply strictly with any further directives that may be issued by the State Government.

The State Government, however, advised parents, guardians, and members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies.

It added that efforts are being intensified to guarantee the safety of all citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as practicable.