Police Arrest Edo Man for Allegedly Circulating False School Kidnap Alarm in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Ernest Ugbomoiko, for allegedly originating and spreading false information claiming that bandits and kidnappers had abducted school children in several communities across Edo State.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem and obtained by Global Mirror News, the report was found to be entirely false and capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic among residents.

The Police identified Ugbomoiko, a resident of Afuze Community, as the source of the alarming message which alleged that school children had been kidnapped in communities including Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben.

Reacting to the development, the command categorically dismissed the claims, stressing that no such incident occurred in any of the mentioned communities or elsewhere in Edo State.

“The Edo State Police Command has identified one Ernest Ugbomoiko, male, 42 years, of Afuze Community, as the individual responsible for originating and circulating the false information alleging that bandits and kidnappers had abducted school children in parts of Edo State, including Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede and Igueben,” the statement said.

The command described the report as misleading and capable of causing widespread anxiety among parents, students and members of the public.

Police authorities also clarified that the deployment of security personnel to schools and other vulnerable locations across the State was not a reaction to the false report. Rather, the deployments formed part of ongoing proactive policing strategies aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that security operatives have intensified patrols and surveillance operations across the state to maintain public safety.

He urged parents, guardians, school administrators and students to continue their normal activities without fear, emphasizing that adequate security measures remain in place around educational institutions and other sensitive locations.

Global Mirror News learnt that the Police further warned that individuals who intentionally spread false information capable of undermining security operations, threatening public peace or causing public disorder would face investigation and possible prosecution under the law.

The command also appealed to residents to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing such reports, noting that misinformation can fuel unnecessary panic and disrupt public order.

Authorities said investigations into the matter have been concluded, while efforts to discourage the spread of fake security alerts across the state will continue.