Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports stating that fifteen students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State have been abducted.
Gatekeepers News reports that the students had reportedly boarded a chartered bus that departed Onitsha on May 16 for their rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) at a CBT
centre in Okigwe Zone, Imo.
Concerns arose on Saturday when the students, along with the school proprietor, his wife, and the driver, became unreachable.
However, in a statement on Monday, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed that no abduction had taken place. He clarified that the students successfully arrived in Imo and sat for their exams.
The statement reads, “Unfortunately, during their return journey, the school bus experienced a mechanical failure in the Amuro area of Okigwe, where mobile network coverage is limited.”
“This unforeseen breakdown caused a communication gap, which gave rise to unfounded speculation online and concerns for their safety.”
“Upon receiving the information, operatives of the Imo State Police Command, in close collaboration with sister security agencies, immediately conducted a coordinated patrol and located the stranded students.”
“They were safely escorted to Owerri, where arrangements were made to tow and repair the school bus.”
“After the necessary repairs, the students and their proprietor resumed their journey and returned to Onitsha on 17th May 2025, all in good health.”
“The Command appreciates concerned citizens for the timely information. We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information while supporting our efforts to keep the state safe.”
