The Imo State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that students of Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, were abducted by suspected herdsmen, describing the story as completely false and misleading.
The rumour, which circulated widely across social media platforms, sparked concern among parents and residents amid growing security fears in parts of the country. However, police authorities insist that no such incident occurred anywhere in Owerri or across Imo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the report was fabricated and capable of creating unnecessary panic among members of the public.
According to Okoye, the early dismissal of students from government secondary schools in Owerri on the day in question was purely an administrative arrangement. He explained that teachers and school administrators were released early to enable them attend a scheduled meeting at the state headquarters of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
The police spokesperson stressed that the decision had no connection to any security threat and that all students and staff members remained safe.
Following the circulation of the report, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to immediately verify the claims.
A police team subsequently visited the school and met with the principal, Mrs. Amadi Apolonia, alongside teachers and students. According to the command, all parties confirmed that no abduction occurred and that the information being shared online was false.
“The command confirms that all students and staff are safe and accounted for, while academic activities at the school continue without disruption. There is no abduction involving any school within Owerri metropolis or any part of Imo State,” the statement said.
The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and responsible when sharing information online. Authorities warned that spreading unverified reports can fuel fear, disrupt public order, and undermine confidence in security efforts.
Okoye further reminded the public that the deliberate spread of false information and misinformation is a criminal offence. He stated that individuals found responsible for creating or circulating fake news could face investigation and prosecution under the law.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, particularly within schools. It also pledged continued collaboration through the Safe School Initiative to ensure students and teachers learn and work in a secure environment.
