The Edo State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive search for a prominent social media personality, widely known as “Azawoman,” following her alleged involvement in disseminating a false report concerning a mass kidnapping at Green Park Academy.
The command asserts that the blogger is wanted for questioning and potential prosecution under existing laws, emphasizing the gravity of spreading unsubstantiated claims that incite public fear.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police Command, issued a statement in Benin, unequivocally refuting the kidnapping allegations. She labeled the viral report as not only false but also profoundly misleading, designed to create widespread panic among residents and parents.
The controversy ignited after a video surfaced on social media, attributed to “Azawoman,” claiming that students of Green Park Academy in Aduwawa, Benin City, were abducted while returning from their Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination. This assertion rapidly gained traction across online platforms, triggering significant anxiety and alarm within the community.
However, an exhaustive investigation conducted by the police command has definitively concluded that no such incident occurred at Green Park Academy. ASP Ikoedem stated, “Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the command, it has been established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged.”
She further elaborated that the report was “entirely false, lacks any factual basis, and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the state.”
The Police Public Relations Officer strongly condemned the irresponsible proliferation of false information, highlighting its potential to erode public trust in security agencies and divert critical resources from genuine security challenges. She underscored that the dissemination of fake security alerts constitutes a serious threat to public order and will not be tolerated by the authorities.
Consequently, the command has confirmed its active pursuit of the individual responsible for originating the false report. “Consequently, the command has commenced steps to apprehend the originator of the false report for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” ASP Ikoedem affirmed.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reiterated assurances to Edo State residents that the overall security situation across the state remains firmly under control. He urged the public to exercise caution and verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it on social media.
Furthermore, Commissioner Agbonika appealed to residents to continue their invaluable support to security agencies by providing accurate and timely information, crucial for maintaining peace, security, and public order throughout Edo State.
