Edo Speaker debunks viral school kidnap claims, calls for calm

Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media alleging that bandits were abducting schoolchildren in Owan West Local Government Area of the state, describing the claims as a deliberate act of sabotage aimed at causing panic.

Speaking during a press briefing in his office, Agbebaku said investigations and consultations with security agencies had confirmed that no such incident occurred in the locality.

The Speaker explained that he had recently visited Owan West and held meetings with members of the local security network to reinforce the need for vigilance, especially around schools located in remote and less developed communities.

“I returned from my local government yesterday and met with members of the security network. I reminded them of their responsibility to protect lives and property and advised that schools in remote areas should have adequate security presence,” he said.

According to him, Owan West currently has over 300 security personnel who can be strategically deployed to schools and vulnerable locations to ensure adequate protection.

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Agbebaku maintained that Owan West has remained a peaceful area with no previous incidents of school-related kidnappings, despite being home to residents from various ethnic groups and business communities.

“The issue of kidnapping has never happened in Owan West before because Owan West is a safe place. We have people from different tribes living and doing business with us peacefully,” he stated.

He further alleged that the individual responsible for spreading the false information had been arrested and would face legal action, describing the act as dangerous and capable of creating unnecessary fear among residents.

The Speaker noted that panic among students was triggered by rumours of bandits being sighted in the area, causing some schoolchildren to flee their classrooms.

He added that the local government chairman had visited affected schools and confirmed that there was no security breach.

Agbebaku also disclosed that he contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, who similarly confirmed that no abduction or bandit attack had taken place.

He used the opportunity to reassure residents that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remained committed to strengthening security across Edo State.

According to him, the state government has continued to invest in security infrastructure and equipment, with legislative support from the State Assembly.

The Speaker urged residents and parents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and go about their lawful activities peacefully.