By Boluwatife Adedokun
There was panic on Tuesday in parts of Osun State following unconfirmed reports of suspected bandits sighted around Ila Orangun and neighbouring communities, leading to the withdrawal of pupils from schools by some parents.
Residents from adjoining towns, including Iree, Eripa, Iragbiji, Ikirun and other neighboring towns said the development triggered fear and confusion, forcing parents to rush to schools to pick up their children.
A resident of Iree, who spoke to journalists, said panic spread after a distress call from Ila Orangun.
“We received a call from Ila Orangun that bandits were around the area. Immediately, parents started rushing to schools to take their children home,” the resident said.
Similarly, a resident of Eripa said the situation had already disrupted normal school activities across neighbouring communities.
“People have already gone to pick their children from school. There is serious tension everywhere around here,” the resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from security agencies or the Osun State Government regarding any bandit attack or presence in the affected area.
