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The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false reports alleging that bandits and kidnappers abducted school children in parts of the state, announcing the arrest of the individual responsible for originating and circulating the claims.
According to the Command, investigations identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ernest Ugbomoiko of Afuze Community, who allegedly spread the misinformation claiming that school children had been kidnapped in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede, Igueben and other parts of Edo State.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command described the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The police stressed that no incident involving the kidnapping of school children occurred in any of the communities mentioned or elsewhere in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that the deployment of security personnel to schools and other vulnerable locations across Edo State was not triggered by the false report. He explained that the deployments were part of ongoing proactive policing measures, which have now been further intensified on his directive.
Agbonika urged parents, guardians, school administrators and students to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security arrangements remain in place to protect lives and property.
The Command also warned that anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of undermining security operations, disturbing public peace or causing panic 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.