The Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that students of Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, were kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.
The command described the report, which circulated widely on social media, as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, clarified that no school was attacked anywhere in the Owerri metropolis or any part of Imo State.
According to him, the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools in Owerri was purely administrative and had no connection with any security threat.
He explained that the arrangement was made to enable teachers and school management staff to attend a scheduled meeting at the state headquarters of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
Okoye stated that all students and staff of the school were safe and accounted for, adding that academic activities were continuing without disruption.
He further disclosed that following the report, the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to verify the claim.
The police team visited the school and met with the principal, Amadi Apolonia, staff and students, who confirmed that no such incident occurred.
The statement read in part, “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 unequivocally that the report is entirely false, unfounded, and should be disregarded by members of the public.
“Following the misleading report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to immediately verify the claim at the school.
“On arrival, he interfaced with the principal, Mrs Amadi Apolonia, staff and students, who confirmed that no such abduction occurred and that the report was entirely false and misleading.
“The command confirms that all students and staff are safe and accounted for, while academic activities at the school continue without disruption. There is no abduction involving any school within Owerri metropolis or any part of Imo State.”
Okoye urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear and confusion.
He warned that the deliberate dissemination of fake news and misinformation is a criminal offence, stressing that offenders would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, particularly the safety of students and educational institutions across the state.
He added that the command would continue to strengthen collaboration under the Safe School Initiative to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment.
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