The Kogi State Police Command has refuted social media claims alleging that bandits stormed Zango, Crusher and Felele communities in Lokoja.
A statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, William Aya, labelled the circulating reports as “fake news” designed to stir fear among residents.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has warned those peddling rumours of bandit invasion to desist from spreading false alarms, causing unnecessary fears and panic among the good people of the state.
“Anyone found guilty of spreading false alarms will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
He explained that security operatives, including the Police Mobile Force and Counter-Terrorism Units, had been stationed at critical points to maintain order.
“Residents are being urged to go about their daily activities as usual and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, adding that security is a shared responsibility, and everyone is asked to work together to keep the state safe,” he added.
Similar unverified alerts about potential bandit attacks have recently circulated heavily across different social media channels.
On Monday, the command likewise denied reports claiming significant bandit movement in the eastern part of the state targeting schools and worship centres, stressing that the allegations were baseless and lacked any iota of truth.
