The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed reports of a kidnapping at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja, describing the incident as a false alarm that triggered panic among pupils and residents.
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said officers from the Nyanya Division swiftly responded after receiving a distress call around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday alleging that kidnappers had entered the school.
According to her, the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed officers and surveillance teams to the scene to assess the situation.
Adeh explained that preliminary findings showed that some pupils suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and ran out of the school premises, sparking fear among teachers and members of the surrounding community.
The development prompted security operatives to secure the area and conduct a thorough search of the school and its surroundings.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Nyanya Division, immediately mobilised officers and surveillance teams to the scene,” she said.
After extensive checks and questioning of people within and around the school, police found no evidence of any abduction.
“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.
Adeh added that officers also combed nearby hills, boundary areas and adjoining locations, while neighbouring schools were visited as part of precautionary security measures.
She urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
“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, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency channels.
