School Evacuation Following Security Scare
Tension erupted at Otagba-Ogbe Girls Secondary School in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday, November 24, 2025, when students fled their classrooms amid fears of an impending herdsmen attack.
The panic began around 7:42pm WAT when students reportedly spotted two herdsmen entering the school premises from the rear entrance. This triggered an immediate stampede as students rushed out of their classrooms, creating widespread alarm that quickly spread throughout the community.
Root Causes and Community Response
According to community sources, the fear had been building over the weekend following rumors that herdsmen had been seen near the school surroundings on Saturday. "Everyone is on alert," revealed a community source who spoke anonymously. "There had been information that an attack could happen at any moment due to ongoing issues between the herdsmen and the host community."
The situation escalated rapidly as worried parents flooded the school to collect their children. Online platforms further amplified the crisis by spreading unverified claims of imminent attacks and alleged gunshots, none of which were substantiated by evidence.
Police Intervention and Official Statement
The Delta State Police Command responded swiftly to the developing situation. Police Commissioner CP Olufemi Abaniwonda immediately ordered a coordinated security response to address the panic.
SP Udofia Kufre, the Divisional Crime Officer of Kwale Division, led a patrol team to the school for on-the-ground assessment. After conducting interviews with the Vice Principal and the security guard on duty, police confirmed that no attack had occurred.
The police authorities categorically dismissed the incident as "entirely false and misleading," stating that the entire disturbance was triggered by misinformation and students' fear rather than any actual security threat.
As a precautionary measure, security operatives also visited adjoining schools in the Kwale axis and found them calm, safe, and fully engaged in normal academic activities.
Commissioner's Warning and Recommendations
CP Abaniwonda issued a stern warning against the spread of unverified information, emphasizing that such rumors can trigger public anxiety and disrupt academic activities. He reiterated the Command's commitment to responding swiftly to credible threats and safeguarding all educational institutions across the state.
The commissioner advised school administrators to strengthen internal communication channels, report suspicious movements promptly, and maintain collaboration with local security outfits to enhance surveillance around school environments.
Parents who rushed to the school were urged to remain calm as authorities confirmed that stability had been completely restored to the institution and surrounding community.
