By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Bayelsa State Police Command says the pandemonium and panic reported in some parts of the state is false and baseless.
Preliminary investigation reveals that it originated from a false alarm arising from a recent Facebook post by a user identified as Sen Promise Etete JP, which alleged that “Militants Seize Bandits, Demand N50 Million Ransom per Captive in Bayelsa State.”
The misleading post caused widespread panic, resulting in parents rushing to schools in Ogbuna, Pulaku, and other parts of the State to pick up their wards.
In swift response the Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately deployed and led operational assets including the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and the Drone Unit to Ogbuna, Pulaku, and adjoining environs including, Sabagreia and Kaiama for on-the-spot assessment and restoration of order in Ijaw National Academy Kaiama, Gbarainowei Grammar School Okolobiri, Fun-Tari academy Sabagreia.
Following the deployment, confidence building patrols were also undertaken to reassure citizens of their safety.
In a statement by the police public relations officer Musa Mohammed Normalcy has since been restored, and residents are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance, while monitoring continues.
The command urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and avoid sharing information capable of causing panic.
Citizens are advised to rely only on official communication channels for security updates.
The statement further adds that Members of the public with useful information should report to the nearest police station or contact the Command emergency lines.0703 457 8208/ 0916 732 2691
