From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Imo State Police Command has dismissed viral reports alleging the abduction of 15 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, candidates.
The command clarified that the students were merely stranded due to a vehicle breakdown.
The students, all from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy in Onitsha, Anambra State, had travelled to Okigwe in Imo State on May 16 for the rescheduled JAMB examination.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, there was no kidnapping incident as reported on social media platforms.
“The Imo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports concerning 15 students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State, who departed Onitsha for their rescheduled JAMB examination at the CBT centre in Okigwe Zone, Imo State. The command unequivocally confirms that no abduction took place.
“The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived Imo State and sat for their examination as scheduled,” Okoye stated.
Trouble began on their return journey when the school bus suffered a mechanical fault around Amuro area of Okigwe, an area known for poor mobile network coverage.
As a result, the students were unable to reach out, triggering panic among family members and the public when they could not be contacted.
According to the police, the lack of network connectivity fuelled online speculation and misinformation about a possible abduction.
However, Okoye confirmed that as soon as the command received information about the incident, operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a coordinated patrol to locate them.
He said the team successfully found them and ensured that they were safely escorted to Owerri, while arrangements were made in Owerri for the bus to be towed and repaired.
“After the vehicle was fixed, the students, along with their proprietor, continued their journey and returned safely to Onitsha,” he informed.
The spokesman commended the public for their swift concern and for alerting the police, which enabled prompt intervention.
He also urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on sensitive matters involving the safety of schoolchildren.