UNIPORT Gate
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has firmly refuted widespread claims circulating on social media that a large snake, allegedly revered as a deity, was discovered and killed within its campus.
The rumour, which surfaced online on Tuesday, included a viral voice note that triggered concern among students, parents, and members of the general public.
However, the institution promptly addressed the issue through an official statement on Wednesday, dismissing the story as completely false.
Dr. Sammy Kpenu, the university’s spokesperson, categorically denied that any such incident occurred.
He described the claim as baseless and the product of “mischief-makers” looking to stir public fear for personal gain.
“The attention of the University of Port Harcourt Management has been drawn to unfounded rumours and misleading social media posts alleging that a ‘big snake’ was killed in one of the classrooms on campus and being described as a deity,” the university said in its statement.
“There is also a voice note in circulation, spreading fear and insinuating doom, further fuelling this baseless claim.”
“The University wishes to categorically state that these claims are entirely false, baseless, and a figment of the imagination of mischief-makers.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, no snake was seen, no snake was killed, and no incident of such nature has occurred anywhere on the University campus.”
The university believes that the misinformation was intended to cause panic and damage its public image, noting that the creators of the rumour were likely seeking online attention through sensationalism.
“Management strongly advises members of the public, staff, students, and stakeholders to disregard this fake news in its entirety and desist from sharing such misleading information.”
To counter the misinformation, the university has begun monitoring sources spreading the rumour and is prepared to involve appropriate authorities when necessary.
“Appropriate measures have been taken to monitor and report those deliberately spreading these falsehoods to the relevant authorities,” the statement continued.
UNIPORT encouraged the public to rely solely on verified information disseminated through its official communication channels.
