Imo police debunk reports alleging abduction of secondary school students in Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has denied social‑media reports that students from Government Girls Secondary School in Owerri were abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Command spokesperson Henry Okoye called the allegation “false and misleading,” urging the public to ignore it.

Okoye said that after the claim reached the police, Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso instructed Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, ACP Abdullahi Wase, to verify the story at the school.

ACP Wase met with Principal Mrs. Amadi Apolonia, staff and students, who confirmed that no abduction had taken place and that the report was entirely inaccurate.

The Command confirmed that all students and staff are safe and that academic activities continue without disruption.

“There is no abduction involving any school within Owerri Metropolis or any part of Imo State,” Okoye stated.

The Command also explained that the early dismissal of students from Government Secondary Schools in Owerri was an administrative decision, not related to a security threat. The change was made to accommodate a scheduled meeting at the NUT Secretariat involving teachers and school staff.

Commissioner Bosso urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

The Command warned that the deliberate spread of fake news and misinformation is a criminal offence, and offenders will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted under the law.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially the safety of students and educational institutions across the state, and pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Safe School Initiative to maintain a secure learning environment.