The Delta State Police Command has dismissed reports that bandits invaded Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, on Monday.
Schools in Kwale were closed after rumours spread that unknown gunmen had entered the area. Many parents rushed to pick up their children, and students and teachers quickly left the school. Some students claimed they saw two men with guns approaching the school.
However, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, said the story was false. He explained that the panic started from misinformation among students and was made worse by unverified online posts suggesting there were gunshots.
He said the police responded immediately after receiving the report. He ordered the Divisional Crime Officer of Kwale Division, SP Udofia Kufre, to lead a patrol team to the school for investigation.
According to the Vice Principal and the security officer on duty, there was no attack, and the fear came from students spreading incorrect information.
The police also visited nearby schools, and all of them were calm and running as normal.
Parents have been urged to stay calm, as the situation has been fully addressed and normal activities have resumed.
The police commissioner warned against sharing unverified rumours that can cause fear or disrupt school activities.
He assured the public that the police will always respond quickly to any real threat to keep schools safe.
He also encouraged school authorities to improve communication, report any suspicious behaviour to nearby police stations, and work closely with local security groups to strengthen safety around school premises.
