The Edo State Police Command has begun efforts to apprehend a blogger known as “Azawoman” for allegedly originating and circulating a false report claiming that students of Green Park Academy in Benin were kidnapped.
The command said the suspect is wanted for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with relevant laws.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin, describing the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
According to Ikoedem, investigations conducted by the command established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged.
She said preliminary findings revealed that the report lacked any factual basis and was deliberately disseminated on social media to misinform the public and create fear within the state.
“Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the command, it has been established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged.
“Findings reveal that the report is entirely false, lacks any factual basis, and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the state,” she said.
The police spokesperson condemned the spread of false information, noting that such actions could undermine public confidence and divert attention from genuine security concerns.
She warned that the dissemination of fake security alerts constitutes a threat to public order and would not be tolerated.
“Consequently, the command has commenced steps to apprehend the originator of the false report for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” she added.
Ikoedem quoted the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr Monday Agbonika, as assuring residents that the security situation across the state remains stable and under control.
The commissioner urged members of the public to verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it on social media or other platforms.
He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help sustain peace, security and public order across the state.
The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and cautioned against the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety and disrupting social harmony.
