A 23-year-old student has been arrested after allegedly spreading a fake bandit invasion report that caused panic across Bayelsa State.
The police arrest student over fake bandit invasion report after tracing the source of a viral social media post shared on June 5. The suspect, identified as Promise Etete, allegedly claimed that armed bandits had entered Bayelsa and were being held by local militants, who demanded ₦50 million for each captive.
The post spread quickly across different social media platforms. Many residents believed the claim and became worried. Parents rushed to schools to pick up their children. Some business owners also shut their shops as fear swept through several communities.
Police arrest student over fake bandit invasion report after investigation
The Bayelsa State Police Command immediately launched an investigation. Officers and intelligence teams worked to verify the information. Their findings showed there was no bandit invasion anywhere in the state. Police described the viral claim as false and misleading.
The police arrest student over fake bandit invasion report after investigators used intelligence gathering, digital tracking and other investigative tools to identify the suspect. Detectives later took him into custody. Police said he has been cooperating with investigators by making useful statements.
Commissioner of Police Iyamah Daniel Edebor warned Nigerians against sharing unverified security information on social media. He said fake reports can create unnecessary fear, interrupt daily activities and put communities under avoidable tension.
The commissioner also said security agencies have the capacity to identify and prosecute anyone who deliberately spreads false information capable of causing public panic. He urged residents to confirm security-related information before sharing it with others.
The police arrest student over fake bandit invasion report serves as another reminder of the dangers of misinformation. Within hours of the false claim, many parents rushed to schools, while several residents changed their daily plans because they feared an attack that never happened.
Authorities said the police arrest student over fake bandit invasion report to show that spreading false security information has consequences. They advised residents to rely on verified updates instead of rumours shared online.
Edebor reassured residents that Bayelsa remains peaceful and secure. He encouraged the public to rely on official security updates instead of rumours circulating online. He also urged people to report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels so security agencies can respond promptly.
According to the daily post,The police command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. It added that anyone found spreading false information capable of threatening public peace will face the full weight of the law.
