The Imo State Police Command has categorically denied viral social media reports alleging that students from Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, were abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye described the rumors as baseless and urged the public to ignore them completely.
Upon receiving the information, Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso swiftly tasked the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to investigate the matter at the school. During his visit, ACP Wase met with the principal, Mrs. Amadi Apolonia, along with staff and students, all of whom confirmed that no abduction had taken place and that the report was entirely fabricated.
The command confirmed that all students and staff are safe and accounted for, and academic activities continue normally. Okoye emphasized that there is no abduction incident involving any school in Owerri metropolis or anywhere in Imo State. He explained that the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools was purely an administrative decision due to a meeting at the NUT Secretariat involving teachers and school staff, not a security issue.
The Commissioner of Police appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant and to refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause panic. He warned that spreading fake news is a criminal offense, and offenders will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted. The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, especially students and educational institutions, and will continue to strengthen the Safe School Initiative to ensure a secure learning environment.