The Imo State Police Command has debunked social media reports claiming that students of Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, were abducted by suspected herdsmen, calling the story false and misleading.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye urged the public to disregard the rumor entirely. He said Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso ordered an immediate verification after the claims surfaced online.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Wase, who coordinates the Safe School Initiative, visited the school and met with Principal Mrs. Amadi Apolonia, staff, and students.
All parties confirmed that no abduction took place and that every student and staff member is safe and accounted for. Academic activities at the school are continuing without disruption.
Inside Owerri:
Ogun Police Dismiss Bandit Attack Rumours in Ifo, Ota, Say State Is Safe
Viral ‘Bandit Attack’ in Lagos School Declared False
Imota LCDA Dismisses Bandit Attack Rumour, Urges Calm
Panic in Imo as Suspected Gunmen Storm Owerri Community
Imo Police Dismiss Kidnap Rumors, Confirm Owerri Students Are Safe
Okoye stressed that there has been no abduction involving any school in Owerri or anywhere else in Imo State. He clarified that the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools in Owerri was strictly administrative, tied to a scheduled meeting at the NUT Secretariat for teachers and staff, and not linked to any security threat.
The Commissioner appealed to residents to stay calm, remain vigilant, and avoid spreading unverified information that could spark panic.
He warned that the deliberate spread of fake news is a criminal offense, and offenders will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, especially students and schools, and said it will continue strengthening the Safe School Initiative to secure learning environments across the state.
About the Author
