Pandemonium as False Alarm Sparks Panic at Government Girls College Maiduguri

A night of fear and confusion gripped Government Girls College (GGC), Maiduguri, on Monday evening, 24 November 2025, after students reported seeing masked individuals inside the school compound.

The sighting triggered panic among the students, with many rushing out of hostels in a stampede.

Authorities, however, later confirmed that the incident was a false alarm.

According to eyewitnesses, the panic began when some students claimed to have seen masked people attempting to enter the school premises. The report quickly spread across the hostels, creating chaos as students ran in different directions, fearing a possible attack.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the commotion.

The Borno State Police Command swiftly responded to the incident. ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the state Police Public Relations Officer, stated that a thorough investigation revealed no intruders and that the school was secure. He urged students and the public not to give credence to unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic.

A delegation from the Borno State Government, including the Commissioner for Education, the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development, and other officials, visited the school to reassure students and staff. The officials emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all students in the state and has directed heightened security measures around the school, including increased police patrols and monitoring.

In a statement, the government appealed to the public to rely solely on official information from security agencies and report any suspicious activities immediately.

Authorities noted that given Borno State’s history of insecurity, particularly attacks on educational institutions, such measures are necessary to protect lives and maintain public confidence.

The incident highlights the lingering anxieties among students in Maiduguri’s schools and the importance of rapid verification of reports to prevent mass panic. While the night turned out to be a false alarm, the government’s response underscores its commitment to safeguarding educational institutions in the region.