Dare Babalola
The Nasarawa State Police Command has denied reports of a kidnapping incident at St. Peter’s Academy in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and mere rumor.
According to a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, students at the school mistook hunters carrying Dane guns for kidnappers and fled in fear, prompting a swift response from security operatives who combed the area and restored calm.
He said, “The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is false and does not reflect the true state of affairs.”
Nansel explained that an unverified alert was received around 10 am on Friday, claiming that two pupils had been abducted while engaging in sporting activities.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, 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. In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, promptly deployed a combined team of Police operatives and military personnel stationed within the general area to the scene.
“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns and, out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers.”
He added that, “The area was thoroughly combed, and normalcy was immediately restored.”
Nansel added that the school proprietor, Peters Ezegwoya, confirmed that the alarm was false and all pupils were safe, urging the public to disregard the rumor and journalists to verify information before publishing.
He added, “Journalists and media outlets are further advised to always verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public.”
The alert about St Peter’s Academy comes against the backdrop of a much more serious security incident that unfolded today in Niger State. Armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, in a pre-dawn raid, triggering a coordinated abduction of students and staff.
According to the Niger State Government, the school reopened recently despite prior intelligence warnings.
Security agencies have responded swiftly: police tactical units, military components, and other security operatives around Papiri have started search-and-rescue operations.
