The Ebonyi Police Command has said that no part of the state is under atteck by bandits, contrary to social media reports.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abakiliki and made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ukandu dismissed the alleged reports in a section of the social media that the Nguzu Edda Community in Edda LGA of the state was invaded by bandits and herders.
He described the report as “false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents”.
The stated, “Operatives acted swiftly upon receiving information about a viral video, in which a narrator alleged that bandits and herdsmen had entered the community”.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Mrs Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Edda Division to verify the claim, while tactical teams from the command Headquarters were deployed in the area for assessment.
Ukandu explained that security operatives conducted a thorough search and combing operation in the affected bushes and surrounding areas.
“Following the operation, the command wishes to categorically state that there are no bandits or herdsmen lurking in Nguzu Edda Community,” he stated.
He urged residents of the community and the public to disregard the reports, describing them as “the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to incite fear and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the area”.
He reiterated the commitment of the command to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
Ukandu also said that the Commissioner of Police had assured residents that adequate security measures were in place to maintain law and order throughout the state.
“He also advised the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command Control Room,” the statement added.
It further urged the residents “to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it on social media to avoid spreading misinformation”.
