The Police Command in Enugu State has commenced the investigation of the originators of a social media report alleging armed herdsmen attacked a school in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
In a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, debunked the report as “false and misleading”.
Ndukwe said that no such attack occurred in any school within the council area or any other part of the 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 LGA or elsewhere in Enugu State.
“The command notes with concern the deliberate fabrication and circulation of such unfounded information, which is capable of inciting fear and creating unnecessary panic.
“The information is also misleading members of the public, including school administrators, teachers, students, pupils, and parents.”
According to him, efforts have been intensified to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the individual(s) responsible for originating and disseminating the false report.
The spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had directed the command’s tactical and Intelligence units to intensify efforts to ensure that the originators and peddlers of the false report are arrested.
He said that the originators and peddlers would face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as maintaining peace, safety, and public order in schools and across the state.
“Residents are encouraged 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,” he said.