Police Confirm No Kidnapping of Students in Imo State

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

The police described the news, which spread widely on social media, as 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 any part of Imo State.

He mentioned that students were dismissed early from government secondary schools in Owerri for administrative reasons, not because of any security threat.

This early dismissal allowed teachers and school staff to attend a meeting at the state headquarters of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

Okoye assured that all students and staff were safe and that school activities were ongoing without any interruptions. He also said that after the rumors spread, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, asked the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to check on the situation.

A police team visited the school and spoke with the principal, Amadi Apolonia, along with the staff and students, who confirmed that no such incident took place.

The statement included, "The Imo State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk a false and misleading report circulated by mischief makers alleging the abduction of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Okigwe Road, Owerri, by suspected herdsmen."

The police added, "The command states unequivocally that the report is entirely false, unfounded, and should be disregarded by members of the public."

Following the false report, CP Audu Garba Bosso instructed ACP Abdullahi Wase to verify what had happened at the school. Upon arrival, he spoke with the principal, Mrs Amadi Apolonia, as well as staff and students, who confirmed that no abduction took place.

The police confirmed that all students and staff were safe and accounted for. Academic activities at the school were continuing without any issues. They noted that there was no abduction involving any school in Owerri or anywhere else in Imo State.

Okoye encouraged the public to stay calm and watchful, and to avoid sharing unverified information that could cause fear and confusion. He warned that spreading fake news is a crime, and those responsible would be investigated and prosecuted.

The police spokesperson emphasized the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially the safety of students and schools across the state. He added that they would keep working under the Safe School Initiative to ensure a safe learning environment.