Ondo govt dismisses rumoured school kidnapping in Akure

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that a kidnapping occurred in a school in Akure, the state capital, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The government said there was no record of any kidnapping in any primary, secondary or tertiary institution in Akure, assuring parents, guardians and residents that schools across the metropolis remain safe and fully operational.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying security agencies had verified the reports and found no evidence to support the claims.

“There is no record, report or incident of kidnapping in any primary, secondary or tertiary institution in Akure. All schools in the state capital are safe, open and conducting academic activities without disruption,” Adeniyan said.

He added that security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Amotekun Corps and the Department of State Services (DSS), had assessed school environments across the city and confirmed that normal activities were ongoing.

According to him, the state government has continued to collaborate with school authorities and parents to maintain strict security measures aimed at protecting pupils and students.

“The Government, in collaboration with school authorities and parents, has maintained strict security protocols across all schools to ensure the safety of pupils and students at all times,” he said.

Adeniyan urged members of the public to disregard the rumour and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing panic, reiterating that the safety of learners and teachers remains a top priority of the Aiyedatiwa administration.