Management at Ayetoro-Iloro High School in Ekiti State shut the gates early on Thursday amid mounting fears of bandit activity. Staff and students were asked to leave the premises before the normal closing time.
Panic gripped the community after rumors spread that armed men had been spotted in nearby locations. Videos posted on social media showed terrified students sprinting along roads and flagging down motorists.
Parents rushed to the school to collect their children as anxiety swept through the area. The scene created widespread tension among residents and guardians alike.
School authorities decided to end classes prematurely to protect both students and staff from potential harm. No actual attack or kidnapping occurred at the institution or in the community.
Yet the incident has reignited concerns about rising insecurity in rural Ekiti communities and their schools. Local stakeholders have now demanded swift action from security forces.
A resident told journalists: "We cannot continue to live in fear every day. Government must deploy more security personnel to these rural communities before something terrible happens."
Others have called on authorities to establish military and police checkpoints along roads connecting villages in the area. They believe such measures would deter criminal elements and reassure frightened locals.
Some parents were still searching for their children hours after the early closure to confirm their safety. Many urged calm while awaiting an official statement from law enforcement agencies.
Ekiti State government has remained silent on the development. The state police command has not issued any directive regarding the allegation either.
This comes weeks after gunmen raided two schools in neighboring Oyo State on May 15. They kidnapped several students and teachers in that attack.
