The Nasarawa State Police Command has dismissed reports of a kidnapping at St. Peter’s Academy in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, misleading, and the result of a misunderstanding.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, said the panic was triggered when students mistook hunters carrying Dane guns for kidnappers, prompting them to flee and raise an alarm. The incident caused brief tension in the area before security operatives restored calm.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is false and does not reflect the true state of affairs,” Nansel said.
He explained that an unverified alert had reached the Police Command around 10 a.m., alleging that two pupils had been abducted during sporting activities on the school field. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately deployed a joint team of police and military personnel to the school and surrounding areas.
“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns and, out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers,” the PPRO said.
According to Nansel, the security team combed the area thoroughly and confirmed that no abduction occurred, adding that normalcy was swiftly restored.
The proprietor of St. Peter’s Academy, Peters Ezegwoya, later confirmed that the alarm was false and that all students were safe. He urged the public to disregard the rumor, while advising journalists to verify information before publication to avoid unnecessary panic.
“Journalists and media outlets are further advised to always verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public,” the police statement added.
The false alarm in Nasarawa occurred on the same day a serious security incident was recorded in Niger State, where gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting students and staff during a pre-dawn attack. Authorities say search-and-rescue efforts are underway, and investigations revealed that the school had reopened despite earlier security warnings.
