The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed a report circulating on social media alleging that armed herdsmen attacked a school in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the command said the claim was a “false and misleading report” deliberately fabricated to incite fear and panic.
No attack recorded
Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.
“The command states without ambiguity that no such attack occurred in any school within the Local Government Area or any other part of Enugu State.
“On-the-spot security assessments, intelligence gathering, operational actions and discreet investigations immediately launched by the command clearly revealed that no such attack occurred in any school within Ezeagu Local Government Area or elsewhere in Enugu State,” it said.
“The command notes with concern the deliberate fabrication and circulation of such unfounded information, which is capable of inciting fear, creating unnecessary panic, and misleading members of the public, including school administrators, teachers, students, pupils, and parents.”
Consequently, the Police said efforts have been intensified to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the individual(s) responsible for originating and disseminating the false report.
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The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the command’s tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to ensure that the originators and peddlers of the false report are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of peace, safety, and public order in schools and across Enugu State.
Mr Giwa further urged residents to disregard the report and remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, while promptly reporting suspicious persons, activities, and other security concerns to the nearest Police Station or any security agency.
“Members of the public may also reach the command through the following emergency numbers: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093,” the statement said.
