… Rescue Man Set Ablaze by Community Leader’s Son
By Rhoda Godwin
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student, identified as Promise Etete, for allegedly originating and circulating a false social media report claiming that militants in the state had kidnapped suspected bandits and demanded a N50 million ransom, a post that sparked widespread panic across parts of the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, said the misleading post, which surfaced on June 5, caused fear among residents and disrupted normal activities in several communities.
According to the police commissioner, the false report claimed that bandits had infiltrated parts of Bayelsa State and were subsequently captured by militants who demanded N50 million for their release.
He said the report triggered panic, particularly in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas, where anxious parents rushed to schools to pick up their children, while businesses were temporarily shut over fears of a possible attack.
The CP explained that following the circulation of the report, the command immediately deployed operational and intelligence teams to the affected areas to verify the claims.
He said investigations confirmed that the report was entirely false, leading detectives, through intelligence gathering, digital investigation and technical tracking, to identify and arrest the suspect.
Edebor identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a native of Akwa Ibom State and a 300-level student of the University of Uyo.
He disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and has made useful statements that are aiding ongoing investigations.
The commissioner warned against the misuse of social media, stressing that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies.
He urged residents to verify security-related information before sharing it, assuring the public that there was no bandit invasion, attack on schools or any threat to public safety as alleged in the false report.
In another development, the police said they had arrested a suspect over the attempted murder of a man in Okodi Community.
The commissioner disclosed that on June 24, at about 7:05 p.m., one Ibobuminaten Oweifa, alleged to be the son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community, accused one Godgift Biko of stealing planks, tied him up with wire and allegedly set him ablaze using petrol and a lighter.
He said the Divisional Police Officer swiftly mobilised officers to the scene, rescued the victim and arrested the suspect.
According to him, the victim is receiving treatment at a medical facility, while investigations are ongoing.
The police commissioner assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He condemned acts of violence, jungle justice and all forms of lawlessness capable of endangering human life, reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Bayelsa State.
