The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media alleging that herdsmen attacked a community in the state, describing it as completely false and intended to cause panic.
The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, showed intense gunfire between supposed herders and unidentified individuals, with voices in the background claiming they were under attack and others chanting “Asawana.”
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations revealed that no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media, falsely claiming Fulani herdsmen attacked in Rivers State and were repelled by Ijaw youths,” she said.
“The police command wishes to state unequivocally that these claims and reports are entirely false, misleading, and designed to incite panic among the public.”
Iringe-Koko added that there have been no reports of herdsmen attacks in any part of Rivers State, describing the video as a fabrication aimed at undermining the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.
She urged residents to disregard the misinformation and avoid sharing unverified content capable of creating unnecessary tension or damaging the state’s image.
The spokesperson further assured that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to safeguarding lives and property. She noted that the command has deployed operational patrol teams, surveillance units, and tactical squads to maintain peace and order across Rivers State.
