Police arrest man over false school kidnap alarm in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Ernest Ugbomoiko, for raising false alarm, alleging that bandits and kidnappers had abducted school children in parts of the state.

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement on 18th June, 2026, said the report is false and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

The command advised members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing. 

The command also warned people to refrain from deliberately spreading false information capable of threatening public peace.

“The Edo State Police Command has identified one Ernest Ugbomoiko, male, 42 years, of Afuze Community, as the individual responsible for originating and circulating the false information alleging that bandits and kidnappers had abducted school children in parts of Edo State, including Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben,” the statement read. 

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents. 

“There was no incident of school children being kidnapped in the mentioned areas or any other part of Edo state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, wishes to reassure 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. 

“Nevertheless, these deployments which were part of proactive policing strategies have been intensified throughout the state, on the directives of the Commissioner of Police.

“Parents, guardians, school administrators and students are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear, as adequate security measures remain in place to guarantee their safety.

“The Command warns 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 are encouraged to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing such reports.”