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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Edo Police dismiss student kidnapping claims as false, warn of prosecution

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Edo State Police Command debunked claims of student kidnapping at Green Park Academy, calling the report false.
  • Police identified a social media user known as 'Azawoman' as the source of the misinformation, warning of prosecution.
  • The command urged the public to verify information through official channels and reassured residents about the state's security situation.

Edo State Police have vehemently denied reports of a student kidnapping at Green Park Academy in Benin City, labeling the claims as entirely false and deliberately spread to cause panic. The command's Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that a woman known on social media as 'Azawoman' is propagating the unfounded narrative. Following a thorough verification, police found no factual basis for the alleged kidnapping, emphasizing that such misinformation diverts attention from genuine security concerns. The police strongly condemn the reckless dissemination of false information, warning that it undermines public confidence and will not be tolerated. Steps are being taken to identify and prosecute the originator of the false report. The command urged the public to exercise caution on social media, verifying information with credible sources before sharing. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika reassured residents that the security situation in Edo State remains under control, appreciating public cooperation in maintaining peace and order.

The Edo State Police Command has become aware of a misleading and unfounded report circulating on social media alleging that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, Benin City, were kidnapped.

โ€” Edo State Police CommandThe statement officially addressed the circulating rumors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.