The Delta State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports alleging that bandits attacked Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, stating that no such incident occurred and that the panic which swept through the area on Monday was triggered by misinformation among students.
According to the Police Command, the alarm began around 9:30 a.m. when false rumours circulated within the school and later spilled onto social media, creating fear among parents and community members.
Some online reports even claimed that gunshots were heard, further intensifying public anxiety.
Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered immediate deployment of officers for an on-the-ground security check.
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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Kwale Division, Udofia Kufre, led the patrol team to the school to verify the situation.
Investigations revealed that no attack took place. Both the Vice Principal and the security man on duty confirmed that the tension originated solely from internal misinformation among students, with no external threat to the school.
As part of precautionary measures, adjoining schools in the Kwale axis were also visited. Officers confirmed that academic activities were ongoing peacefully and that the environment remained secure.
Parents who rushed to the school to pick up their children were urged to remain calm, as normalcy had been fully restored.
CP Abaniwonda strongly warned against the circulation of unverified information capable of causing public panic or disrupting learning.
He stressed that the Command remains committed to responding swiftly to any credible threat and safeguarding educational institutions across the state.
He also encouraged school authorities to improve internal communication channels, promptly report suspicious activities, and collaborate closely with local security structures to maintain a safe learning environment.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, reaffirmed the Command’s assurance that Delta schools remain safe and secure.
