The Delta State Police Command has dismissed claims of an alleged bandit invasion at the Girls Secondary School, Kwale, Utagba-Ogbe, calling them “entirely false and misleading.”
According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on Monday, the fear sprang from student misinformation and was exacerbated by unverified online claims of community worry and purported gunshots.
“The panic originated from misinformation circulated among students and was further amplified by unverified online reports suggesting community anxiety and alleged gunshots,” the statement said.
When the reports arrived, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Olufemi Abaniwonda, quickly ordered a coordinated reaction, deploying the DCO of Kwale Division, Udofia Kufre, to lead a patrol team for on-the-ground verification and security assessments.
“The vice principal of the school and the security man on duty were interviewed, and both confirmed that no attack occurred and that the panic emanated solely from misinformation among students,” the statement added.
As a precaution, adjacent schools in the Kwale region were examined and confirmed to be safe, calm, and functioning regularly.
It was suggested that parents who had raced to pick up their children should remain calm.
“Parents who rushed to pick up their children are advised to remain calm, as the earlier rumor has been decisively addressed and normalcy has been fully restored,” the statement said.
Abaniwonda also warned against distributing unsubstantiated material, which could disrupt school activities and instill panic.
He asked school officials to improve communication and maintain good ties with local security agencies.
“CP Olufemi Abaniwonda warns strongly against the spread of unverified rumors capable of causing fear or disrupting academic activities.
“The CP reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to respond swiftly to any credible threat while ensuring the safety of all educational institutions across the state.
“He further urges school authorities to strengthen internal communication, promptly report suspicious observations to the nearest police formation, and maintain close collaboration with local security outfits to enhance monitoring around school environments,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes as suspected terrorists and bandits launch more attacks across Nigeria.
Bandits abducted 215 pupils and 12 instructors from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, on Friday; nevertheless, 50 children escaped by Sunday.
Just four days ago, 26 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi.
In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRazaq announced the release of 38 individuals kidnapped following an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
