FCT Police debunk reported kidnap of Abuja Primary School pupils

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that students were kidnapped at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja, on Thursday, describing the incident as a false alarm that triggered panic within the school and surrounding community.

In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers attached to the Nyanya Division received a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. alleging an ongoing kidnapping incident at the school.

According to her, the Divisional Police Officer of the Nyanya Division immediately deployed officers and surveillance teams to the location to assess the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some students suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and running out of the school premises, causing fear and confusion among teachers, pupils and residents in the area.

The police subsequently secured the school environment and carried out a comprehensive 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,” the statement said.

Adeh added that officers also conducted patrols and searches around nearby hills, boundary areas and adjoining communities, while neighbouring schools were visited as part of precautionary security measures.

The police said all investigations carried out so far failed to establish any evidence of an attempted abduction or kidnapping operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

He also encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency communication channels.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining public confidence through rapid response to security alerts across the territory.