Edo State refutes false school kidnapping reports, arrests video creator

Edo State officials said there was no kidnapping of schoolchildren in any part of the state. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, both dismissed viral videos claiming bandits had abducted pupils in Sabongida‑Ora, Owan West and other LGAs, describing the claims as false and dangerous.

The false alarm triggered panic, with schools temporarily closed and parents rushing to pick up children. Security agencies arrested the individuals responsible for spreading the misinformation, including a 42‑year‑old man identified as Ernest Ugbomoiko and the mastermind behind the viral video. Officials warned that such fake news threatens public peace and urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration highlighted ongoing security investments – including new Hilux vehicles, motorcycles, armored vehicles and drones – to protect residents and schools, and affirmed that proactive policing measures were already in place.