The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has taken five individuals into custody for allegedly creating and spreading a completely false story about a school kidnapping. This fabricated incident was said to have occurred in the Oron Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner of Police Announces Arrests
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, made the announcement public on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He spoke during a security meeting that brought together youth presidents and leaders from all 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom. Azare revealed that the five suspects responsible for the hoax had already been charged in court that very morning.
Reckless Actions That Threaten Public Peace
CP Azare did not mince words when describing the suspects' actions. He labeled them as reckless and dangerous, stating they were fully capable of inciting widespread panic and seriously undermining public confidence in the state's security. The false report specifically claimed students from Oron Secondary School had been abducted, a claim the police swiftly investigated and debunked.
"Their actions were reckless, dangerous and capable of inciting panic and undermining public confidence," the Commissioner stated emphatically during the briefing.
A Firm Stance Against Misinformation and a Call for Dialogue
The Police Commissioner issued a strong assurance to residents, vowing that the command would continue to take decisive and firm action against anyone found spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the hard-earned peace in Akwa Ibom. He turned his attention to the youth leaders present, urging them to become champions of truth within their communities.
Azare called on them to promote responsible behavior on social media platforms and to actively work to counter false narratives that could lead to public disorder. He emphasized the critical need for stronger collaboration between community leaders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs). This partnership, he noted, is essential for the early detection of potential threats and the swift resolution of any emerging issues.
Furthermore, the CP advised the youths to always choose the path of dialogue over confrontation. This advice was particularly directed at their engagements with contractors, investors, and development partners working in their local communities.
"I urge you to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, especially in engagements with investors, contractors, and development partners operating within your communities," Azare counseled. "Peaceful dialogue promotes development and fosters trust, while confrontational approaches undermine progress and tarnish community reputation."
The arrests send a clear message from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command that creating and circulating fake news, especially on sensitive issues like security, will not be tolerated and carries serious legal consequences.
