Damaturu, April 12, 2023 – The Yobe State Police Command urged residents on Thursday to avoid sharing unverified security updates, stressing that misinformation risks destabilizing the state’s hard-earned peace.
Authorities linked the rise in reckless posts to heightened public anxiety and economic disruptions, urging citizens to prioritize accuracy over haste.
Meanwhile, authorities singled out social media as a key channel for spreading rumors.
SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, clarified that fabricated threats not only sow fear but also drain resources as security forces chase false leads.
“Every unverified claim diverts attention from genuine emergencies,” he stated firmly during a press briefing.
In response, Abdulkarim stressed that deliberate misinformation violates Nigeria’s laws on public disturbance.
Offenders, he warned, face arrest and prosecution, regardless of intent.
Recent incidents, he noted, have already triggered unnecessary school closures and market shutdowns, harming daily life.
Additionally, the police advised residents to cross-check alerts through hotlines or official platforms before resharing.
“A moment of verification can prevent chaos,” Abdulkarim emphasized, praising communities that recently reported suspicious activities responsibly.
He also highlighted how unchecked rumors erode trust in law enforcement over time.
Furthermore, the command reassured citizens of intensified patrols and prompt response to verified threats.
Collaborative efforts with local leaders, they noted, have already thwarted potential crises in high-risk areas.
Citizens are urged to share tips discreetly through designated hotlines instead of public forums to maintain safety and security.
Furthermore, the statement critically acknowledged Yobe’s progress in reducing insurgency-related violence, emphasizing that this milestone is fragile and easily undone by panic.
False alarms, officials argued, distract from ongoing counterterrorism operations and strain community-police relations.
To strengthen transparency, the police pledged weekly security briefings and fact-checking partnerships with media outlets.
Schools and businesses will also receive training to identify credible threats, fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
Ultimately, the police reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding lives but stressed that public cooperation remains irreplaceable. “Security is a shared duty,” Abdulkarim concluded, urging unity against those exploiting fear.
Residents welcomed the clarity, with some calling for stricter penalties against serial rumor-mongers.
As Yobe navigates its path to stability, the appeal for cautious communication underscores a universal truth: in times of uncertainty, truth remains the strongest shield against chaos.
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