SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, (THEWILL) – Benin City, the Edo State capital, was thrown into confusion as some parents stormed various schools to forcefully withdraw their children and wards.
It was gathered that the panic started due to rumours that the MonkeyPox virus was being injected into the students by officers of the Nigeria Army said to be carrying out vaccination exercise.
Schools like Army Day Secondary in Oregbeni quarters and Idia College were affected as parents rushed to the school to take their children home inspire of denial by the school authorities.
There was also attempts by parents to take their children away from Oghosa High School, Edokpolor Grammar School, Crystal Fountain Group of School and Olua Primary School.
Edo Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the rush by parents to take away their children said there was no vaccination exercise in schools in the state and warned parents to stop acting on fake information from the social media.
The Army has also denied carrying out any vaccination exercise in schools in Edo State explaining that whenever the army organised a medical outreach, stakeholders are always involved and with adequate publicity before embarking.
“The medical outreach is one of the activities lined up in support of Operation Crocodile Smile II, vaccination and immunisation are not included in the package,” spokesperson of 4th brigade, Captain Mohammed Maidawa, said.
“Nigerian Army did not conduct any lethal injunction let alone vaccination.”
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