The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of three students of Enugu State College of Health Technology in Oji-River.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 7:30 pm, when suspected gunmen, allegedly herdsmen, invaded the school complex and abducted students.
A viral video had raised concerns about the kidnapping, with some individuals claiming that authorities were silent on the matter.
However, in a statement released on Saturday night, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s spokesman, confirmed that two students had been rescued, while three others remain missing.
Ndukwe also addressed the viral video, stating that claims of a large-scale kidnapping at the college were false and intended to mislead and create panic among citizens.
The police are working to resolve the situation and ensure the safe return of the remaining missing students.
The statement partly read: “Contrary to the spurious narrative in the viral video, in the evening hours of August 15, 2024, Police Operatives at the Oji-River Division of the Command received information alleging an act of abduction around the said college.
“They immediately hastened to the scene, rescuing two of the victims allegedly abducted, while three others are yet-to-be found. However, vigorous operations are ongoing to locate and rescue them, as well as apprehend the abductors.
“A preliminary investigation proves that the victims were driving out of the college, when the seemingly targeted incident occurred.”
The Command’s spokesperson noted that the Commissioner, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Operatives to ensure that the missing victims are found and rescued, while also arresting the perpetrators.
He, however, quoted the commissioner to have cautioned against such mischievous and malicious social media narratives, aimed at creating unwarranted panic and jeopardising police operational and investigative actions over such incidents.
