The Gombe State Government on Friday dismissed a viral social media report claiming that 16 National Youth Service Corps members travelling to the state had died in a road accident involving an NYSC-branded coaster bus.

Yusuf Danbayo, the Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, described the claim as “fake, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary panic” in a public notice obtained by our correspondent.

According to him, no road accident involving corps members has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force or any relevant agency within the last 12 hours, contrary to social media allegations.

“There is no accident anywhere in Nigeria involving NYSC corps members that has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force or any sister agency,” Danbayo said.

“In this country, no serious incident can occur without being formally reported to the nearest police station, and no such report exists.”

He highlighted discrepancies in the viral claims, questioning the absence of verifiable evidence.

“Which hospital is keeping the so-called 16 bodies? Which medical facility has documented this tragedy? No hospital has such a report,” he stated.

The SSA adde” that a nationwide check with Motor Traffic Departments (MTDs) across all 774 local government areas revealed no matching accident record.

“If an accident of this magnitude happened, the MTD would have it on record. We contacted all relevant agencies responsible for road traffic monitoring, and none of them has any information supporting this claim,” he said.

Danbayo further explained that the NYSC does not operate the type of coaster bus shown in the viral posts, calling the images suspicious and misleading.

He also said that no family, parent, or guardian has reported the loss of any corps member in such circumstances.

He advised the public to always verify sensitive information, especially incidents involving loss of life, through credible authorities such as the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

“Those sharing breaking news, especially about accidents, must confirm the details with proper authorities before circulating. The story in circulation is completely false,” he warned.

Danbayo urged the public to remain calm and avoid amplifying unverified reports that could trigger fear or misinformation.

Meanwhile, the FRSC, NYSC, and police also refuted the viral post in separate communications with our correspondent. (The PUNCH)