The Nasarawa State Police Command has denied reports alleging that two pupils of St Peter’s Academy, Rukubi, in Doma Local Government Area, were abducted during school activities, describing the claims as “false” and “mere rumour unworthy of publication as factual news.”

The clarification followed widespread anxiety after some media outlets and blogs reported that kidnappers had stormed the school and taken away two pupils.

In a statement issued on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Ramhan Nansel said the Command’s attention was drawn to the reports but insisted they were baseless.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is false and does not reflect the true state of affairs,” Nansel stated.

He explained that an unverified alert was received around 10 a.m. alleging that two pupils had been abducted while participating in sporting activities. In response, Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed deployed a joint team of police operatives and military personnel to the area.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns and, out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers,” the statement noted.

The police confirmed that the area was thoroughly combed and normalcy restored. The school proprietor also verified to operatives that the alarm was false.

Nansel added that the area remains under close surveillance to prevent any security breach. He urged the public to disregard the rumoured abduction and cautioned journalists against rushing unverified claims to press.

“Journalists and media outlets are further advised to always verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public,” he said.

The false alarm in Nasarawa comes against the backdrop of a serious security incident in Niger State earlier the same day, when armed men stormed St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, in a pre-dawn raid, abducting students and staff. According to the Niger State Government, the school had reopened despite prior warnings.