The Command also announced the arrest of the individual responsible for originating and circulating the alarm, identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko, a 42-year-old resident of Afuze Community.
The Edo State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that bandits and kidnappers abducted schoolchildren in several communities across the state, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The Command also announced the arrest of the individual responsible for originating and circulating the alarm, identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko, a 42-year-old resident of Afuze Community.
In a statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the Command said investigations had traced the source of the viral report to Ugbomoiko, who allegedly circulated information claiming that schoolchildren had been kidnapped in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben communities.
According to the police, the report generated concern among residents and parents but was subsequently found to be entirely false.
