Edo Police Arrest Man Behind Fake School Kidnap Alert, Reaffirm Security Across State

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man accused of originating and circulating false reports alleging that bandits and kidnappers abducted school children in several communities across the state.

The suspect, identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko, a 42-year-old resident of Afuze Community, was linked to the viral claims that school children had been kidnapped in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, described the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

The Command stated that investigations confirmed that no school children were kidnapped in any of the communities mentioned or elsewhere in Edo State, contrary to the claims circulating on social media and other platforms.

The police further clarified that the deployment of security personnel to schools and other vulnerable locations across the state was not triggered by the false report. According to the Command, the deployments were part of ongoing proactive policing measures aimed at enhancing security and protecting lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured parents, guardians, school administrators and students that schools across the state remain safe. He noted that security presence has been intensified in line with the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and preventing criminal activities.

The Command urged members of the public to disregard the false information and continue their lawful activities without fear, emphasizing that adequate security measures remain in place to guarantee the safety of residents.

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The police also warned that individuals who deliberately spread false information capable of threatening public peace, undermining security operations or causing public disorder 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 to avoid creating unnecessary panic.