By THOMPSON YAMPUT

The Police Command in Kogi has debunked rumours of the alleged invasion of Zango, Crusher, and Felele communities in the Lokoja metropolis by bandits.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, described the rumour, which has caused panic amongst residents, as “fake news” meant to create unnecessary tension in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Thursday that the rumoured bandits’ invasion has set panic amongst residents of Lokoja metropolis.

The managements of most schools ordered the closure of their schools, with parents rushing to pick their wards home for safety, just as there were stampedes in some markets.

Kankarofi, in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP William Ovye-Aya, called on the public to ignore the rumour and assured them of adequate security.

The CP warned those peddling rumours of bandit invasion to desist from spreading such false alarms, causing unnecessary fears and panic among the good people of the state.

“Anyone found guilty of spreading false alarms will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.

He reaffirmed the deployment of tactical teams, including the Police Mobile Force and counter-terrorism units, to strategic locations to ensure safety.

He urged the residents to go about their daily activities as usual and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

According to him, security is a shared responsibility, and everyone is asked to work together to keep the state safe.

Also, the Executive Chairman, Lokoja LGA, Comr. Abdullahi Adamu, dispelled the rumour making the rounds of a bandits’ invasion in some parts of Lokoja.

Adamu, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday in Lokoja, described the report as fake news by mischief makers.

“It’s not true that there were alleged attacks in Felele, Crusher and in other places in Lokoja, but a figment of the imagination of mischief makers.

“We are calling for calm, as there is no iota of truth in the rumour, more so that Lokoja has never been this peaceful,” he argued. (NAN)

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