The Bayelsa State Police Command has debunked reports of a bandit attack in Yenagoa, describing the alarm that triggered widespread panic as false and misleading.
Tension gripped parts of the state on Friday after a viral social media post alleged that militants had apprehended bandits and were demanding a ransom of ₦50 million per captive.
The claim, which circulated rapidly online, caused fear among residents and led to the abrupt closure of several schools in areas including Ogbuna and Pulaku, as parents rushed to withdraw their children.
In swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, deployed security personnel and operational units to assess the situation and restore order.
The intervention involved the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and the Police Drone Unit, which were strategically positioned across affected communities such as Sabagreia, Kaiama, Ogbuna, and Pulaku.
Security operatives also conducted confidence-building patrols and secured key institutions including Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Gbarainowei Grammar School in Okolobiri, and Fun-Tari Academy in Sabagreia.
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Following the deployment, normalcy was restored, and residents have since resumed their daily activities without disruption.
The police confirmed that there was no security breach and assured the public of continued monitoring to prevent further panic.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, urged citizens to disregard unverified information and refrain from spreading content capable of inciting fear.
“The reported panic was baseless and originated from a false social media post. We advise the public to rely only on official communication channels for security updates,” he stated.
The command also encouraged residents with credible information to report to the nearest police station or use designated emergency lines.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state while cautioning against the dangers of misinformation.
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