PORTHARCOURT: The Rivers State Police Command has refuted reports alleging an influx of suspected herdsmen and attacks on communities in the state, describing a viral social media video circulating on Wednesday as entirely false.
The video, which purported to show herders invading an unnamed location and being confronted by Ijaw youths, sparked online panic before the police issued a clarification.
Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement from Port Harcourt that the footage was fabricated by individuals attempting to cause fear and distort the state’s security situation.
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video falsely claiming Fulani herdsmen attack in Rivers State, she said. These claims are misleading and designed to incite panic. There have been no such incidents anywhere in the state.
Iringe-Koko warned residents against sharing unverified content capable of creating tension or damaging the state’s reputation.
She noted that the command, under Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, is working closely with other security agencies to maintain peace, with operational patrol teams, surveillance units and tactical squads deployed across the state.
The public is advised to remain calm, be vigilant, and always verify information through official channels before sharing, she added.
