Police debunk, clarify report of alleged school kidnap in Abuja

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

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

Adeh explained that officers of the command attached to Nyanya Division, at about 10;30 am., 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.

“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,” she said.

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

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