The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral report claiming that bandits and kidnappers had abducted schoolchildren in several communities across the state, announcing the arrest of the man allegedly responsible for originating and circulating the misinformation.
The suspect, identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko, 42, from Afuze Community, was arrested after investigations linked him to the widely circulated claim that pupils had been kidnapped in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben.
The Command described the report as entirely fabricated, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic among residents. It stressed that no incident of schoolchildren being kidnapped occurred in any of the communities mentioned or anywhere else in Edo State.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured
According to the Commissioner, security operations have since been intensified across the state on his directive to ensure the continued safety of pupils, teachers and residents.
The Police advised parents, guardians, school administrators and students to continue their normal activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures remain in place to safeguard lives and property.
The Command also warned that anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of undermining security operations, threatening public peace or causing disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Residents were further urged to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing such reports, in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and unnecessary public anxiety.
