The Delta State Police Command has debunked reports of an invasion at Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, on Monday.
Primary and secondary schools in Kwale, including Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, had been closed following claims that unknown gunmen had entered the community.
The panic reportedly began when parents, alarmed by circulating information, rushed to collect their children while both students and staff had deserted the school. Some students had claimed to have seen two unknown men carrying sophisticated firearms approaching the premises.
However, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Olufemi Abaniwonda, stated that the news was a rumour, originating from misinformation among students and further amplified by unverified online reports suggesting community anxiety and alleged gunshots.
The police commissioner disclosed that the alleged invasion on November 24, 2025, at approximately 9:30 am was entirely false and misleading.
He said: “Upon receiving the report, I immediately ordered a coordinated response and deployed the DCO Kwale Division, SP Udofia Kufre, to lead a patrol team for immediate on-the-ground verification and security assessment.
“The Vice Principal of the school and the security officer on duty were interviewed, and both confirmed that no attack occurred and that the panic emanated solely from misinformation among students.
“As a precautionary measure, adjoining schools within the Kwale axis were visited, and all were found to be calm, safe, and conducting normal academic sessions.”
Parents who rushed to collect their children have been advised to remain calm, as the earlier rumour has been decisively addressed and normalcy fully restored.
Abaniwonda issued a strong warning against the spread of unverified rumours capable of causing fear or disrupting academic activities.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to respond swiftly to any credible threat while ensuring the safety of all educational institutions across the state.
He further urged school authorities to strengthen internal communication, promptly report suspicious activity to the nearest police formation, and maintain close collaboration with local security outfits to enhance monitoring around school environments.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
