Hoodlums have reportedly attacked Marist Comprehensive Academy (MCA), injured three persons and killed a student in Uturu, Abia state.
This was disclosed via a statement released on Sunday by the state’s commissioner for information, John Okiyi Kalu.
According to the police boss, the hoodlums attacked on Saturday along Ihube in the Okigwe LGA of Imo state.
Abia state was created out of Imo; the two share boundaries.
Kalu said commuters ran into the hoodlums while returning from a religious programme in Imo.
He said one Ede Donald died while three other students of the MCA sustained injuries.
The commissioner said Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia governor, has directed Janet Agbede, the state’s police commissioner, to liaise with her counterpart in Imo towards effecting the arrest of the hoodlums.
“We commiserate with parents of the deceased, students, staff and management of Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu, over this unfortunate incident in our neighboring state,” Kalu’s statement reads in part.
“We condemn in totality the attempt by agents of opposition political actors in our state whose stock in trade is spreading fake news to diminish the state.”
Reports had earlier indicated that 10 students of the Abia State University (ABSU) were abducted in the attack.
Speaking on the development, an ABSU spokesperson, Stella Nwandu said the claims were false.
Kalu in his statement said the rumour was spread by individuals seeking panic to pursue “selfish objectives”.
“The management of ABSU, including the vice-chancellor, Prof Maxwell Ogbulu, has confirmed that no student of the institution was abducted yesterday as against fake reports obviously sponsored by these elements,” he added.