The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed reports of a kidnapping at Phase 1 Primary School in Gbagalape, Abuja, confirming the incident as unfounded. The alarm was raised on Thursday morning when students suddenly shouted "kidnappers" and fled the premises, triggering panic among staff and residents. Police were called at about 10:30 a.m. by officers from Nyanya Division following a distress call alleging an ongoing kidnapping at the school. The Divisional Police Officer immediately dispatched personnel and surveillance teams to secure the area and assess the situation. A full search of the school and surrounding locations, including nearby hills and adjoining schools, yielded no evidence of any abduction. No suspect was sighted, no victim was identified, and no criminal activity was confirmed. Authorities questioned individuals within and around the school but found no basis for the initial alarm. Security operatives maintained patrols in the area to restore calm and prevent further unrest. The police command warned the public against spreading unverified information that could cause fear and disorder. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi urged residents to report suspicious activities through official channels. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to safeguarding schools and public institutions in the FCT. Residents were advised to contact the nearest police station or use emergency lines for urgent concerns.
The police response to a false alarm at Phase 1 Primary School reveals how quickly unverified panic can mobilize security forces across Abuja. A shout from students with no criminal basis led to full-scale searches, patrols, and public statements from top police officials. While no harm was done, the incident shows how vulnerable public order can be to rumour, even without malicious intent. The time and resources spent could have been directed to active threats elsewhere in the capital.
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