Edo Police dismiss school kidnap claim, launch manhunt for social media influencer

The Edo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that students of Green Park Academy in Aduwawa, Benin City, were kidnapped, describing the claim as false, misleading and deliberately fabricated to cause panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said investigations conducted by the police found no evidence to support the alleged kidnapping incident, contrary to claims widely shared online.

According to the police spokesperson, the report was propagated by a social media personality popularly known as “Azawoman,” whose publication sparked concern and anxiety among parents, residents and members of the public.

Ikoedem stated that the Command immediately commenced verification and preliminary investigations following the circulation of the claim and established that no such incident occurred at the school.

“Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the Command, it has been established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged,” the statement read.

The police further noted that findings from the investigation revealed that the report lacked any factual basis and was intentionally disseminated to mislead the public and generate unnecessary fear within the state.

READ ALSO: Edo Police recover bodies of kidnap victims after N11m ransom payment

“Findings reveal that the report is entirely false, lacks any factual basis, and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the state,” Ikoedem added.

The Command condemned what it described as the reckless spread of false information, warning that the circulation of unverified security-related reports could undermine public confidence, create fear and distract security agencies from addressing genuine threats.

According to the police, the dissemination of false security information poses a threat to public order and can have serious consequences for community safety and law enforcement operations.

“The Command strongly condemns the reckless spread of false information capable of undermining public confidence, causing fear among residents, and diverting attention from genuine security concerns. Such actions constitute a threat to public order and will not be tolerated,” the statement said.

As part of efforts to hold those responsible accountable, the Edo State Police Command disclosed that operatives have launched a manhunt for the individual identified as “Azawoman.”

The Command said the objective is to apprehend the suspect and prosecute her in accordance with relevant laws governing the spread of false information and acts capable of disturbing public peace.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged residents to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of verifying information through credible and official sources before sharing it.

He advised members of the public to report security concerns directly to law enforcement agencies through established channels to enable prompt verification and response.

Agbonika also reassured residents that the security situation in Edo State remains stable and under control, stressing that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

The police commissioner expressed appreciation to law-abiding citizens for their continued cooperation with security agencies and called for sustained public support in efforts to maintain peace, security and public order.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that the spread of misinformation on social media can create unnecessary panic, fuel public anxiety and complicate the work of security agencies, particularly in a country where concerns about kidnapping and violent crime remain high.

The latest development underscores the growing challenge posed by false information online and the increasing determination of law enforcement authorities to clamp down on individuals who disseminate unverified reports capable of causing public alarm.