Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media alert alleging that armed bandits had invaded communities including Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Oke-Afo, targeting schools and children across the state, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said there was no security crisis, coordinated attack or invasion in any part of Lagos State, describing the circulating reports and accompanying graphics as fabricated and designed to cause panic among residents.
The command reassured the public that schools across the state remain safe and that security agencies have maintained adequate deployment and surveillance in communities to safeguard lives and property.
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According to the police, the spread of the unverified information had already led to a tragic consequence, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Kulaha Ayuba.
The command said some youths, acting on the false belief that armed bandits had entered their community, allegedly accused Ayuba of being a Fulani bandit and fatally assaulted him. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp.
Police authorities disclosed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation. The command pledged that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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Condemning the circulation of false security alerts, the police warned that the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of inciting panic, public disorder, ethnic profiling, mob violence or hatred against any group constitutes a serious threat to public safety.
The command further cautioned that individuals responsible for originating or spreading false and inflammatory information that could trigger ethnic tension, violence or public alarm would be investigated and prosecuted under relevant laws.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing their normal activities without fear.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements or security concerns through the nearest police station or official emergency channels rather than relying on unverified social media reports.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security across Lagos State, assuring residents that adequate measures have been put in place to protect lives and property throughout the state.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
