By MUHAMMAD NASIR

The Sokoto State Government has debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that 18 students of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, were abducted by suspected terrorists while travelling to Oyo State.

The government described the report as false, saying no student of the private health institution was abducted.

The clarification is contained in a statement issued in Sokoto on Monday, by Malam Abubakar Bawa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House.

Bawa said the report alleged that the students were travelling in a chartered bus from the college to Oyo State when the incident occurred.

“The Sokoto State Government wishes to categorically state that no student of the college was abducted by suspected terrorists.

“The public is therefore urged to disregard the report, as it is false and has no basis in fact,” he said.

Bawa explained that the person reported to have been abducted was Halima Sokeni, a former student of the college who graduated as a midwife in September.

He said Sokeni was reportedly travelling home on Thursday when she, alongside other passengers, was abducted in Niger.

Bawa appealed to journalists and media organisations to adhere to the ethics and professional standards of journalism by verifying information before publication to avoid spreading false, misleading and potentially alarming reports.

Similarly, the management of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, described the report as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by the College Registrar, Malam Bello Abdulrahman, the management said no student of the institution was kidnapped.

“No student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was kidnapped, and there was no such incident involving our students.

“Our students are safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned,” he said.

Abdulrahman urged the public, particularly parents, guardians and other stakeholders, to disregard the report and refrain from further sharing it.

He said the college remained committed to the safety, welfare and security of its students and would continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure a safe environment for learning and training. (NAN)