The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man, Ernest Ugbomoikor, for allegedly spreading a false kidnapping report that sparked panic in Sabongidda Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was accused of raising an alarm on Thursday June 18 that armed bandits had invaded Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda Ora, and abducted students. The claim reportedly spread quickly across the community and beyond, causing anxiety among parents, residents and other concerned members of the public. However, security agencies later established that no such incident occurred.
Chairman of the Local Government Area, Honourable Joy Olo Ohonyon, alongside security operatives, addressed a press conference where they dismissed the report as false. Police operatives subsequently tracked down and arrested Ernest over his alleged involvement in originating the misleading information.
Security authorities warned that the circulation of false security reports poses serious risks to public peace and safety. They urged residents to verify security-related information through credible and official channels before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms.
Authorities expressed hope that the arrest would serve as a warning to individuals who deliberately circulate unverified or fabricated reports capable of causing public disorder and disrupting community peace.
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