Authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State have debunked reports on social media that a python crept into one of its classrooms and was killed by a student.
A video which went viral on social media indicated that a snake had crept into one of the classes during evening lectures. One of the students spotted it and raised an alarm, leading to the reptile’s killing.
But, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, UNIPORT’s spokesman, Dr. Sam Kpenu, described the report on social media as misleading, insisting that no snake was killed on the campus.
Kpenu said: “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.
“There is also a voice note in circulation, spreading fear and insinuating doom, further fueling 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.
“This falsehood appears to be the handiwork of individuals seeking cheap popularity, attention, and followership on social media at the expense of the peace and reputation of the University of Port Harcourt.
“The University remains a safe, secure, and conducive environment for learning, research, and all legitimate activities. 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.
“Appropriate measures have been taken to monitor and report those deliberately spreading these falsehoods to the relevant authorities.
“The University of Port Harcourt urges everyone to rely on official communication channels for authentic information about the institution.”
