By Eunice Nnachi
The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in parts of the state, describing the incident that triggered panic among residents as a false alarm fueled by misinformation on social media.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said preliminary investigations revealed that the widespread panic originated from a Facebook post by one Sen. Promise Etete JP, which alleged that militants had seized bandits and were demanding a ransom of N50 million per captive in Bayelsa State.
According to the police, the post sparked fear among residents, leading many parents to rush to schools in Ogbuna, Pulaku and other communities to pick up their children amid concerns over a possible security threat.
Reacting swiftly to the situation, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, personally led a deployment of operational assets, including the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams and the Drone Unit, to assess the situation and restore public confidence.
The security operation covered Ogbuna, Pulaku, Sabagreia, Kaiama and adjoining communities. Security personnel also visited educational institutions including Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama; Gbarainowei Grammar School, Okolobiri; and Fun-Tari Academy, Sabagreia.
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The command said confidence-building patrols were conducted across the affected areas, assuring residents of their safety and helping to restore normalcy.
“Normalcy has since been restored, and residents are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance, while monitoring continues,” the statement noted.
The police warned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and urged citizens to rely only on official communication channels for security updates.
The command also appealed to residents with useful information on security matters to report to the nearest police station or contact its emergency lines for prompt response.
The Bayelsa State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and public order across the state.
