The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested five people for spreading a false kidnap report in Oron Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, spoke about the case on Thursday during a security meeting with youth leaders from all 31 local government areas of the state.
Azare said the suspects created and shared a fake story claiming that students of Oron Secondary School had been kidnapped, which caused fear in the community.
He said, “Five suspects who fabricated and circulated a false kidnapping incident involving students of Oron Secondary School have been arrested and were charged in court this morning. Their actions were reckless, dangerous and capable of inciting panic and undermining public confidence.”
The commissioner said the police would not hesitate to act against anyone who spreads false information or tries to cause unrest in the state. He urged youths and community leaders to help stop the spread of fake reports, especially on social media.
He called on them to work closely with Divisional Police Officers to detect threats early and resolve issues quickly. Azare also encouraged youths to choose dialogue when dealing with contractors and investors.
He said, “I urge you to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, especially in engagements with investors, contractors and development partners operating within your communities. Peaceful dialogue promotes development and fosters trust, while confrontational approaches undermine progress and tarnish community reputation.”
Azare also informed the meeting about the state’s new directive limiting masquerader activities to village or town hall squares. He said any community that wants to hold such events must get formal approval from the police command, which will provide security.
He warned that any masquerade outing held without permission would be stopped and those responsible would face the law.
The commissioner further cautioned against jungle justice, calling it unlawful and capable of causing wider violence. He stressed that no one had the right to take laws into their own hands and anyone caught in mob action would be arrested and prosecuted.
A representative of youth leaders in the Eket Senatorial District, Ulap Afahakan, thanked the CP for his efforts and promised continued support from young people in maintaining peace and security in the state.
