By Adesakin Adefemi
The management of Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan, has dismissed as false a report alleging a kidnapping incident on its Kishi campus.
In a statement released on Sunday, Provost Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi said no such event occurred and described the claim as misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic among students, staff, and the wider public.
According to the statement, a thorough internal review and verification with security personnel confirmed there was no case of kidnapping on the campus. The college emphasized that the safety and security of students and staff remain its top priority and that it has always maintained a proactive approach to campus security.
The management urged parents and guardians to remain calm and verify information through official communication channels before reacting to unverified reports. It warned that spreading falsehoods could heighten tension, disrupt academic activities, and damage the reputation of the institution, which has built a strong record of academic excellence and student welfare over the years.
Security agencies have been engaged to investigate the source of the rumour and to strengthen surveillance across the campus. The college said additional monitoring measures, including increased patrols and intelligence gathering, have been put in place to prevent future false alarms and to ensure swift response to any real threats.
Dr. Owolabi reassured students and parents that learning activities will continue without disruption, stressing that the institution remains committed to providing a secure and conducive academic environment. She added that the college’s management has always prioritized creating a safe space for students to focus on their studies and professional development.
The rumour, which circulated widely on social media, had sparked fear among students and residents of Kishi, with many expressing concern over the safety of educational institutions in the region. However, college officials maintained that no incident was recorded and called for responsible use of information, especially in the digital age where false news can spread rapidly.
The statement further noted that management is working closely with local security operatives, including the police and community security networks, to ensure that any potential threats are swiftly addressed. It added that proactive steps have been taken to safeguard lives and property within the school premises, reflecting the college’s zero-tolerance policy for insecurity.
Parents and students were encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the college authorities or security agencies, rather than relying on unverified claims online. The institution pledged to remain transparent in its communication and to promptly address any concerns raised by its community.
Stakeholders in the education sector have also been urged to support efforts to curb the spread of fake news, which can undermine confidence in school safety and create unnecessary anxiety.
The college’s management called on media outlets and social media users to verify information before sharing, to avoid causing harm to innocent individuals and institutions.
The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace on campus and ensuring that students can pursue their studies without fear or distraction.
The institution’s leadership expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of students, parents, security agencies, and the public, it will continue to uphold its reputation as a safe and reputable center for nursing education in Nigeria.
