The Delta State Police Command on Monday dismissed widespread rumours that bandits had invaded Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, describing the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary public panic.
The scare, which erupted around 9:30am, triggered chaos within the school community as frightened students alerted one another while unverified posts on social media claimed that gunshots were heard and that residents were fleeing.
Following the alarm, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered an immediate security assessment, deploying the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Kwale Division, SP Udofia Kufre, alongside a patrol team to the school premises.
During the visit, the police team met with the Vice Principal and the school’s security personnel, both of whom confirmed that no attack occurred.
They explained that the confusion started when students misinterpreted random noises and spread the rumour among themselves, leading to panic.
The Police Command also extended surveillance to nearby schools within the Kwale axis. Officers reported that all the institutions visited were calm, safe, and conducting normal academic activities.
Despite the reassurance, many parents hurried to the school to pick up their children. The Command, however, urged the public to remain calm, adding that the situation had been thoroughly investigated and normalcy restored.
Condemning the circulation of unverified information, CP Abaniwonda said such falsehoods could disrupt academic activities and instill fear in communities already anxious about insecurity.
“We warn strongly against spreading unverified rumours capable of causing panic,” he said, emphasizing the Command’s readiness to respond swiftly to any credible threat in the state.
The CP also advised school authorities to improve internal communication structures and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
He encouraged stronger collaboration between schools and local security groups to enhance safety around learning environments.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, assured parents and residents that Delta State schools remain secure and that the Command will continue to maintain close surveillance to forestall any threats.
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