The Imo State Police Command has dispelled reports of an alleged abduction involving 15 students from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The students were en route to the Okigwe zone in Imo State to take their rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) when their school bus broke down, causing a communication blackout that sparked public concern.

According to a statement released Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the students successfully took their examination on May 16.

The statement noted that trouble began on their return trip when the bus developed a mechanical fault in the remote Amuro area of Okigwe, known for poor mobile network coverage.

It said, “The Command unequivocally confirms that no abduction took place. The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo State and sat their examinations as scheduled.

“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.”

The statement noted that after necessary repairs, the students and their proprietor resumed their journey and returned to Onitsha on May 17, 2025, all in good health.

The police commended concerned citizens for raising the alarm but urged the public to verify information before spreading it.