No Child Kidnapped from Any School in Bonny – Authorities Assert, Dismiss Viral Audio as Fake

School authorities in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State have disclaimed claims in a viral audio clip that some children were kidnapped from various schools in the area.

A yet-to-be-identified woman was heard in the audio clip which has gone viral claiming that bandits have entered Bonny, saying that the alleged bandits attempted to abduct some children from different schools but failed.

She mentioned Ibitamuno Group of Schools, Lucille International School and Government School, Bonny, as the affected schools, adding that the incident was announced on Bonny FM .

In a swift response to an enquiry by Kristina Reports, the Head of Station at Bonny FM, Seyi Oyeniyi dismissed the claim, saying that the station, upon hearing of the allegation, had issued a disclaimer.

“No we didn’t. We have put out a disclaimer.”

Also, responding to Kristina Reports’ enquiry, Principal of Lucille International School (LIS), Esau Enyinna debunked the claim, saying he is unaware of any such incident.

“No, I have not heard of anything like that… we have to find out because that is a dangerous news and we should not allow it to fly.”

On her part, Head Teacher of Ibitamuno Group of Schools, Salome Jumbo replied Kristina Reports enquiry in the negative, stating that no such incident occurred at the school.

“As per that information, I don’t know how that thing is spreading. It’s wrong.

In her own response, Head Teacher of Government School, Bonny, Dabota Jumbo dismissed the claim, asserting that no child is missing from the school and no parent had complained of loss of their child.

“I stand here to say that there is no report of such in Bonny Government School. There was no kidnap, neither any bandit penetrating into Bonny Government School fence to kidnap any child of the school.”

“The head teacher and other teachers left school around 5.10pm on Thursday. There was no complaint from any parent coming to look for their children that is missing through anyone.”

“No child was missing or is missing in Bonny Government School. The school is fully secured with security personnel.”

Tension gripped Bonny LGA within the week when the viral audio clip made its way around WhatsApp platforms with parents scampering for their children and calling on security agencies to urgently look into the matter.

The anxiety is exacerbated by the incredible and surging population of people of Northern extraction who close watchers say are generally unprofiled or associated with any legitimate endeavours.