Police Clear Air on False Kidnapping Claims in Imo Schools

The Imo State Police have denied reports that students from Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, were kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.

The police said the claims, which spread widely on social media, are false and misleading. They warned that such rumors could cause unnecessary panic among the people.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said no school was attacked in Owerri or anywhere else in Imo State.

He explained that the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools in Owerri was an administrative decision and had nothing to do with any security threat.

Okoye said this was done so that teachers and school staff could attend a scheduled meeting with the Nigerian Union of Teachers at the state headquarters.

He assured that all students and staff are safe and accounted for, adding that academic activities are going on without any interruption.

After the rumors, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to check the situation.

The police team visited the school and spoke with the principal, Amadi Apolonia, staff, and students, who confirmed that no kidnapping took place.

The statement said, "The Imo State Police Command wants to clearly deny the false report being spread by troublemakers about the abduction of students from Government Girls Secondary School, Okigwe Road, Owerri, by suspected herdsmen.

The command states clearly that this report is completely false, unfounded, and should be ignored by the public.

Following the false information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed ACP Abdullahi Wase to quickly verify the claim at the school.

Upon arrival, he spoke with the principal, Mrs. Amadi Apolonia, staff, and students, who confirmed that no abduction happened and that the report was entirely false and misleading.

The command confirms that all students and staff are safe and accounted for, and academic activities at the school continue without disruption. There is no abduction involving any school in Owerri or anywhere in Imo State."

Okoye urged the public to stay calm and alert. He also advised against spreading unverified information that could create fear and confusion.

He warned that sharing fake news is a crime, stressing that those found guilty will face investigation and prosecution under the law.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially the safety of students and schools across the state.

He added that the command will keep working under the Safe School Initiative to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.