By CHARLES lWUOHA

Ebonyi State Police Command has dismissed a video currently circulating on social media in which the narrator alleges that bandits and Fulani herdsmen have invaded their community.

The command stated that upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Edda Division, to assess and verify the claim, while tactical teams from the Command Headquarters were deployed to the area.

According to police, "Following a thorough search and combing operation of the affected bushes and surrounding areas, the Command categorically states that there are no bandits or Fulani herdsmen lurking in Nguzu Edda Community."

lt described the report as false, misleading, and intended to create panic and fear among residents.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command's Public Relations officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The Command therefore urged the people of Nguzu Edda Community and the general public "to disregard the unfounded claims, as they are the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to incite fear and disrupt the peace enjoyed in the area.

"CP Hope Okafor reassures residents of Ebonyi State that the Command has put in place adequate security measures to safeguard lives and property across the state.

"She further enjoins members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command Control Room on 07064515001."