By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting a bandit invasion in the Zango, Crusher, and Felele communities of Lokoja, describing the claims as false and capable of inciting unnecessary fear. Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) William Aya, made this known in a statement on Wednesday. He urged residents to disregard what he called “fake news” being circulated across social media and other informal platforms.According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has issued a strong warning to those spreading unfounded security alerts, stressing that the Command will arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible for causing panic within the state.
Aya reaffirmed that the Police Command has already deployed tactical teams—including the Police Mobile Force and counter-terrorism units—to strategic locations to maintain peace and security across Lokoja and its environs.“Residents are urged to go about their daily activities as usual and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he stated, adding that security remains a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.
In a related development, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, also reassured members of the public—particularly students, parents, and residents—that there is no threat of bandit attacks or kidnapping at the Kogi State Polytechnic or any other school in the Lokoja metropolis.
Fanwo condemned the rumours, describing them as “satanic panic” being spread by mischief-makers for reasons unknown.“The baseless reports should be completely dismissed,” he said. “We urge our people to go about their lawful businesses without fear. The government is working round the clock with all security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of every Kogite wherever they reside.”Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring sustained peace and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official channels.
