Police debunk, clarify report of alleged school kidnap in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has debunked and clarified reports of an alleged kidnap incident said to have occurred at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape community, Abuja.

This clarification was contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh.

Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, explained that officers of the command attached to Nyanya Division at about 10:30am received a distress call alleging an ongoing kidnapping incident at the school.

She said that on receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised officers and surveillance teams to the scene.

She added that preliminary investigations revealed that the pupils suddenly started shouting “kidnappers” and running out of the school premises, creating panic among teachers and members of the community.

She said: “Consequently, the school premises was cordoned off and thoroughly searched by responding officers.

“Following extensive search and questioning of persons within and around the school premises, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified.

“Surrounding hills, boundaries, and adjoining areas were patrolled and searched, while nearby schools were also visited as part of precautionary security measures, yet no evidence of kidnappers.”

The FCT Police Command spokesperson therefore urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities.

Adeh enjoined the public to promptly report suspicious activities or emergencies to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines on 08032003913 and 07057337653.

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