Edo Police Debunks False Kidnap Report Arrests Source Of Alarm

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Edo State Police Command has identified and arrested the individual responsible for originating and circulating a false report alleging that bandits and kidnappers had abducted school children in parts of the state, including Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben. The suspect, identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko, male, 42 years, of Afuze Community, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

In a statement issued on the same day by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command stated unequivocally that the report is false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents. According to the statement, there was no incident of school children being kidnapped in the mentioned areas or any other part of Edo State. "The report is false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents," the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassured the public that the deployment of security personnel to schools and other vulnerable locations across the state was not in response to this false report. He noted that the deployments, which were part of proactive policing strategies, have been intensified throughout the state on his directives. Parents, guardians, school administrators and students were advised to go about their lawful activities without fear, as adequate security measures remain in place to guarantee their safety.

The Command warned that individuals who deliberately spread false information capable of threatening public peace, undermining security operations or causing public disorder will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public were encouraged to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing such reports.

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