The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially debunked reports of an alleged kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School in Gbagalape, Abuja, declaring it a completely false alarm.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning triggered widespread chaos and panic when students unexpectedly began shouting “kidnappers” and fled the school premises.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement that the alarm had prompted an immediate police response but investigations revealed that no kidnapping occurred.
According to her, officers attached to the Nyanya Division received a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday alleging that kidnappers had invaded the school.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Nyanya Division, immediately mobilised officers and surveillance teams to the scene,” she said.
Adeh explained that preliminary investigations showed that some pupils suddenly started shouting “kidnappers” and ran out of the school premises, creating panic among teachers and members of the surrounding community.
As a result, security operatives cordoned off the school and carried out a thorough search of the premises.
“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,” she stated.
She added that police teams also searched surrounding hills, boundaries and adjoining areas, while nearby schools were visited as part of precautionary security measures.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear and tension.
“The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
