The Ijibor community in Bekwara Local Government Area of northern Cross River State has compelled the shutdown of the Government School and neighbouring schools following panic over an alleged attempt to abduct pupils by suspected bandits.
Over the weekend, reports emerged that three “heavily armed Fulani men” allegedly invaded the Government School in Ijibor but were resisted by local residents.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Onabe of St. Mary Quasi Parish, Ugboro–Ijibor, who said he mobilised community members to confront the suspected intruders, told journalists that the ensuing panic forced the community to suspend academic activities, even though students were in the middle of their examinations.
However, speaking to DAILY POST in Calabar, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, strongly denied that any attempted abduction took place, warning against actions or narratives that could heighten tension in the area.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Igri Ewa, also maintained that the Bekwara Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer in the area found no evidence to support the claims, contradicting the Reverend Father’s account.
Despite the police position, findings revealed that many students remain frightened and unwilling to return to school nearly 48 hours after the alleged incident, which was said to have occurred on Friday.
In a video now circulating widely, Rev. Fr. Onabe said both pupils and parents remain deeply unsettled.
He gave account of how he, his parishioners and local youths combed the forest behind the school to trace the suspects.