A Nigerian father has sparked widespread reactions online after reportedly equipping his son with traditional charms, popularly known as “Odeshi,” to protect him from possible bandit attacks at school.

According to claims circulating on social media, the father allegedly provided the child with a charm believed to make him disappear if armed attackers suddenly invade the school premises. It was also claimed that the boy was given another protective charm said to prevent bullets from penetrating his body.

The development has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many expressing concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of the country and the growing fear among parents about the safety of their children in schools.

Some social media users argued that the father was simply taking extraordinary measures to protect his child amid repeated cases of kidnappings and attacks on schools by bandits and other criminal groups.

Others, however, questioned the reliance on spiritual or traditional methods for protection, insisting that the government and security agencies should strengthen efforts to secure schools and restore public confidence in the nation’s security system.

The incident has further fueled conversations about insecurity in Nigeria and the desperate steps some citizens are willing to take in the absence of adequate protection.