The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly spreading a false report about a school kidnapping incident that did not occur, in what authorities say could have triggered unnecessary panic among residents.
The incident reportedly involved claims that students of a school had been abducted in Benin City, a message that quickly circulated on social media and caused tension among parents and members of the public before it was later verified to be untrue.
For many residents, especially parents with school-aged children, the rumour created fear and confusion, as information about kidnappings tends to spread quickly in communities that have witnessed similar incidents in the past.
Police authorities said the report was not only false but also capable of disrupting public peace and diverting security attention from real incidents requiring urgent response.
The command explained that once the information came to their attention, operatives immediately launched an investigation to trace the origin of the message and verify its authenticity.
After preliminary checks, the police confirmed that no such kidnapping incident took place in the school mentioned in the viral report. “The information was false and capable of causing panic in the state,” a police source said.
Following the investigation, the woman believed to have circulated the claim was arrested for questioning, while authorities warned against the spread of unverified security information on social media.
The police added that the spread of false kidnapping alerts is becoming a serious concern, especially as it often leads to fear, disruption of normal activities, and unnecessary deployment of security resources.
In recent years, Edo State has witnessed both real security incidents and false alarms, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to manage public reaction whenever reports of abductions surface online.
Security experts note that misinformation during sensitive moments can escalate fear quickly, especially in communities where previous kidnapping cases have been recorded.
The police command reiterated that individuals must always confirm sensitive information from official sources before sharing it publicly, particularly when it involves schools, children, or security incidents.
They also emphasized that those found guilty of spreading false reports may face prosecution under relevant laws, as such actions are considered capable of disturbing public order.
Community leaders in the state have also urged residents to remain calm when unverified reports emerge and to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates.
The incident highlights the growing challenge faced by security agencies in managing both real security threats and the rapid spread of misinformation through digital platforms.
For now, the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, while authorities maintain that calm has been restored in the affected areas.
The police say they will continue to monitor and respond swiftly to both actual security threats and false alarms in order to prevent panic and maintain public order across Edo State.
