The Delta State Police Command has debunked reports claiming that bandits invaded Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, in Kwale, describing the information as completely false and fueled by misinformation.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command noted that the panic originated from rumours circulated among students and was further escalated by unverified online reports suggesting gunshots and community tension.
“The panic originated from misinformation circulated among students and was further amplified by unverified online reports suggesting community anxiety and alleged gunshots,”
the police statement read.
Police Mobilise Immediately for Verification
Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered a swift response team led by Udofia Kufre, the DCO of Kwale Division.
The team visited the school for on-the-ground assessment.
The Vice Principal and security officer on duty confirmed there was no attack, stating that the alarm came solely from misunderstanding among students.
Police officers also visited other nearby schools, confirming that they remained safe, calm, and in normal operation.
Parents Advised to Stay Calm
Many parents reportedly rushed to the school to pick up their children following the rumour. Police assured them that normalcy has been restored.
“Parents who rushed to pick up their children are advised to remain calm, as the earlier rumour has been decisively addressed,”
the statement said.
Police Warn Against Spreading False Information
CP Abaniwonda cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting fear and disrupting academic activities.
He urged school administrators to improve internal communication and maintain close collaboration with local security agents.
“The CP reiterated the command’s resolve to respond swiftly to any credible threat while ensuring the safety of all educational institutions across the state,”
the statement concluded.
Rising School Attacks Nationwide
This clarification comes at a time when Nigeria has witnessed increasing attacks by terrorists and bandits targeting schools.
- 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted last Friday in Niger State; 50 students have escaped.
- 26 schoolgirls were kidnapped from a college in Kebbi State.
- 38 abducted worshippers were released in Kwara State following an attack on a church.
Despite these incidents, Delta Police emphasised that the Kwale episode was not an attack, but a false alarm.
