By Imelda Osayande
The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has refuted a viral video falsely claiming that bandits kidnapped schoolchildren in Owan Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday in Benin, Agbebaku described the video as a false alarm and an act of sabotage aimed at destabilising the state government.
The Speaker said he was in Owan West, his constituency, over the weekend, where he held meetings with the local security network to strengthen vigilance.
Agbebaku stated that no kidnapping incident had ever been recorded in the area, which he described as home to law-abiding residents of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
He confirmed that the individual responsible for spreading the rumour had been arrested and would face the law.
The speaker added that both the local government chairman and the Divisional Police Officer had verified that no abduction occurred.
He noted that the false alarm caused panic among students, prompting them to flee for safety.
Agbebaku reassured parents and residents that the situation was under control and urged students to return to school.
He said he would continue working with security agencies to ensure adequate protection in schools across the constituency.
The speaker also commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to security, noting that the Assembly had approved most of the necessary security equipment to combat crime in the state.
(NAN)
