Panic in Delta as Rumoured Kidnap Threat Shuts Schools; Farmer Killed, Family Abducted -

Academic activities across parts of Delta State were disrupted on Wednesday following widespread panic triggered by rumours of suspected kidnappers allegedly sighted in a primary school in Ibusa.

The fear quickly spread to neighbouring Ogwashi-Uku, forcing hundreds of pupils and students to stay away from school as anxious parents rushed to withdraw their children. The situation led to confusion and the temporary closure of some schools.

According to reports, the alarm began on Tuesday when a woman claimed she saw a group of suspicious men entering a primary school in Ibusa. The claim, though unverified, circulated rapidly within the community, sparking fear among residents.

Eyewitnesses said many parents abandoned their businesses and daily activities to locate their children, while some schools shut their gates as a precaution.

In the chaos, a woman and her children were reportedly injured after falling into roadside gutters while trying to flee.

At Adiagbo Secondary School in Ogwashi-Uku, attendance dropped drastically, with only a few students present as most parents kept their children at home over safety concerns.

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However, the Delta State Police Command has dismissed the reports, describing them as false and baseless. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated that investigations confirmed no such incident occurred, urging residents to disregard the rumours and avoid spreading panic.

He also refuted claims circulating on social media that the woman who raised the alarm had been arrested, clarifying that she is not in police custody.

Despite the police reassurance, tension remains high in the state, worsened by a tragic incident in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Suspected attackers reportedly killed a farmer identified as Vincent Adojor and abducted his wife and child while they were working on their farm on Monday afternoon.

Residents alleged that the assailants ambushed the family, killed the farmer, and fled with his wife and child into a nearby forest. The victim’s body has since been deposited in a morgue, while efforts to locate the abducted family members continue.

The attack has plunged the Oghara community into mourning, with residents expressing deep concern over the rising insecurity in the area.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and rely only on verified information while security agencies intensify efforts to ensure safety across the state.