The Nasarawa State Police Command has dismissed 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, misleading, and “unworthy of publication as factual news.”
Some media outlets and blogs had earlier circulated reports of an alleged kidnapping at the school, sparking anxiety across social media, The Telegraph reports.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, said the Command’s attention was drawn to online posts and news items claiming that kidnappers stormed the school and whisked away two pupils.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is false and does not reflect the true state of affairs,” Nansel said.
He explained that around 10 a.m. on Friday, the police received an unverified alert alleging that two pupils had been kidnapped while taking part in sporting activities.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately deployed a joint team of police operatives and military personnel to the area.
“On 21/11/2025 at about 1000hrs, an unverified report filtered in alleging that two pupils of St Peter’s Academy were abducted while engaging in sporting activities on the school field,” the statement said. “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 added that the area was thoroughly combed and normalcy was restored, with the proprietor of the school confirming to police that the alarm was false.
Nansel said the area remains under close watch to prevent any security breach, urging the public to disregard the rumoured kidnapping. He 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 came on the same day a far more serious security incident unfolded in Niger State, where armed men attacked St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, in a pre-dawn raid, abducting students and staff.
According to the Niger State Government, the school had recently reopened despite prior intelligence warnings. Security agencies including police tactical units and military components have since launched search-and-rescue operations around the Papiri area.
