The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that some students of its Computer Science Department were involved in robbery and other criminal activities.
The viral message claimed that the students disguised as Hausa/Fulani persons to carry out attacks with guns and cutlasses, broke into hotels, and were later arrested by security operatives.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, the Head of the institution’s Information and Public Relations Unit, Olayinka Iroye, described the allegations as false, defamatory, and without any foundation.
“We wish to state categorically that these allegations are false, defamatory, and without any foundation in fact,” the statement read.
“The Polytechnic has conducted its own inquiries in liaison with relevant law enforcement agencies, and we have been reliably informed that no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, was arrested on Sunday or any other day, nor is there any evidence supporting the criminal claims being circulated.”
The management appealed for calm among students, staff, alumni, and members of the host community, urging the public to disregard the rumour.
“Such statements are harmful, undermine the integrity of individuals and institutions, and seek to tarnish the reputation which the Polytechnic has earned through hard work, discipline, and excellence,” the statement added.
The school also cautioned members of the public and media organisations against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or damaging the image of the institution.
Leave a Reply