The Edo State Government has debunked reports claiming that school students in Sabongida-Ora, Owan West LGA, were kidnapped, describing the viral video in circulation as fake news intended to cause panic.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the young man who orchestrated the false video has since been arrested. The culprit will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to purveyors of fake news.
The statement read in part:
“This is to bring to the attention of the general public that there was no incident of kidnapping of school students in Sabongida-Ora, Edo State, as erroneously published and circulated.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo has invested heavily in overhauling the state’s security architecture and remains committed to securing lives and property as constitutionally required.
The government also confirmed that the Police, acting on the Governor’s directive, rescued a woman kidnapped around Vegetable Market off Airport Road on Sunday, 14th June 2026. The kidnappers have been arrested and are in police custody awaiting prosecution.
Governor Okpebholo has cautioned citizens to be wary of the company they keep. Investigations show that kidnapping often involves insiders, including family members, relations, and friends, who provide information to criminals.
The Edo State Government urged all citizens to support the Police with credible intelligence to curb kidnapping across the state, reiterating its resolve not to bow to criminal elements in its commitment to making Edo safe for all.
*
