The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that bandits and kidnappers abducted schoolchildren in several communities across the state, announcing the arrest of the individual responsible for originating and circulating the claim.
According to the Command, investigations traced the false information to one Ernest Ugbomoiko, 42, of Afuze Community, who allegedly spread reports that schoolchildren had been kidnapped in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede, Igueben and other parts of Edo State.
The Police Command stated that no such incident occurred in any of the communities mentioned or elsewhere in the state, describing the report as capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that schools across Edo State remain safe and adequately protected.
The police chief clarified that the deployment of security personnel to schools and other vulnerable locations across the state was not a response to the false kidnapping report. He explained that the deployments were part of ongoing proactive policing measures, which have since been intensified on his directive.
Agbonika urged parents, guardians, school administrators and students to continue their normal activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security arrangements remain in place to safeguard lives and property.
The Command also warned against the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of undermining public peace, disrupting security operations or causing public disorder, stressing that offenders would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Residents were advised to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing such reports. #Securitynewsalert.com
