Ughelli North Chairman Jaro Egbo has denied claims that 52 children were abducted locally.
He said investigations revealed only a few verified cases and urged residents to avoid spreading rumours.
The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, Jaro Egbo, has debunked claims that 52 children were abducted within the council area.
Speaking on the matter, Egbo explained that the allegation first emerged in May and even triggered plans for a protest. However, after the council carried out its own investigation, it found only five genuine cases, none of which matched the initial claims.
He said the verified cases included a 15-year-old girl who ran away with her boyfriend and another involving a child taken by her father after separating from the mother. There were also reports of a missing twin and speculation about scavengers being linked to child abductions.
As part of its security response, Egbo stated that the local government has banned scavengers from operating in Ughelli North.
He reassured the public that the widely circulated claim of “52 missing children” was untrue, urging residents to stay calm and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed information that could create panic.
