• Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

The Delta State Police Command said that the rumoured invasion of Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, today was entirely false and misleading.

In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, clarified that upon receiving the report, the Command immediately ordered a coordinated response and deployed the DCO Kwale Division, SP Udofia Kufre, to lead a patrol team for immediate on-the-ground verification and security assessment.

The Vice Principal of the school and the security man on duty were interviewed, and both confirmed that no attack occurred and that the panic emanated solely from misinformation among students.

As a precautionary measure, adjoining schools within the Kwale axis were visited and all were found to be calm, safe, and in a normal academic session.

Parents who rushed to pick up their children are advised to remain calm, as the earlier rumour has been decisively addressed and normalcy has been fully restored.

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda warns strongly against the spread of unverified rumours capable of causing fear or disrupting academic activities.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to respond swiftly to any credible threat while ensuring the safety of all educational institutions across the state.

He further urges school authorities to strengthen internal communication, promptly report suspicious observations to the nearest police formation, and maintain close collaboration with local security outfits to enhance monitoring around school environments.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed worries over the escalating wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, particularly the abduction of schools children and teachers.

Okonjo-Iweala in a post on X said she was “greatly saddened” by the disturbing trend, stressing that the attacks on learning institutions have inflicted fear, trauma, and uncertainty on families nationwide.

“As a mother I am greatly saddened by the kidnappings in our country, particularly of our children and teachers from places of learning.

” My heart goes out to the children and all those kidnapped and to their families living in fear and uncertainty,” she said.

She prays for the safe return of all abductees and strength for parents and relatives enduring the ordeal.

“May those taken be found, rescued, and returned safely into the arms of those who love them.

We pray God for their protection and strength for every parent and relative waiting,” she added.

Her comments come amid a series of mass abductions targeting schools and farming communities in several states in Nigeria, which has led to renewed calls for urgent action to protect citizens and restore security nationwide.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, weekend, donated a speedboat to the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect the Third Mainland Bridge and other federal bridges in the state.

Umahi, while presenting the speedboat, said that the donation aligned with his magnanimity and unwavering commitment to supporting the Corps in its duty of safeguarding vital public infrastructure.

Umahi emphasised that the donation of the speedboat would aid in monitoring activities along the marine corridor in Lagos, as well as serving as a morale booster for the gallant men who have been combating the activities of unscrupulous elements under the bridges.

The Commandant also extended thanks to the former Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, O.I. Kesha, for her diligent efforts in ensuring that the Corps receives all necessary logistical support to guarantee the protection of the integrity of the Third Mainland Bridge, other federal bridges, and critical national infrastructure in Lagos State.