Police Say No Kidnapping of Students in Imo Schools

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

The police called the news, which spread widely on social media, false and misleading. They said it 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 noted that the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools in Owerri was for administrative reasons and not related to any security threat.

Okoye explained that the decision was made so teachers and school staff could attend a scheduled meeting at the state headquarters of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

He added that all students and staff were safe and accounted for, and that academic activities were ongoing without any problems.

After the report, the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to check the claim.

The police team visited the school and talked to the principal, Amadi Apolonia, staff, and students. They 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 command states that this report is entirely false, unfounded, and should be disregarded by the public."

Following the false report, Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed ACP Abdullahi Wase to verify the claim at the school.

On arrival, he spoke with the principal, Mrs Amadi Apolonia, staff, and students, who confirmed that no abduction occurred and that the report was completely false and misleading.

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

Okoye urged the public to stay calm and alert and to avoid sharing unverified information that could create fear and confusion.

He warned that spreading fake news is a crime and that those responsible would be found, investigated, and prosecuted according to the law.

The police spokesperson assured that the command is committed to protecting lives and property, especially the safety of students and schools across the state.

He also said the command would continue to work under the Safe School Initiative to make sure students have a safe and good place to learn.