Police clear the air on bandit attack rumors in Ebonyi

The police in Ebonyi State have said that no part of the state is facing attacks from bandits. This comes after some social media reports suggested otherwise.

The spokesman for the command, Joshua Ukandu, shared this in a statement from Abakaliki on Monday. He is a superintendent of police and wanted to set the record straight about the rumors.

Mr Ukandu rejected the claims that bandits and herders invaded Nguzu Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area. He called the reports “false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.”

He said, “Operatives acted swiftly upon receiving information about a viral video, in which a narrator alleged that bandits and herdsmen had entered the community.”

The police commissioner in Ebonyi, Urunwa Okafor, quickly instructed the Divisional Police Officer of Edda Division to check on this claim. He also sent tactical teams from the command headquarters to the area to assess the situation.

Mr Ukandu explained that security operatives thoroughly searched the affected bushes and surrounding areas. “Following the operation, the command wishes to categorically state that no bandits or herdsmen are lurking in Nguzu Edda Community,” he said.

He asked the residents and the public to ignore the false reports. He labeled them as “the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to incite fear and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the area.”

The spokesman also emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Ebonyi. Mr Ukandu mentioned that the police commissioner assured the residents that there are enough security measures in place to maintain 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 noted.

Finally, the police urged residents to check security-related information through official sources before sharing it on social media. This will help to prevent the spread of misinformation.