Imo Police Debunk Reports of Hostel Attack by Herdsmen

The Imo State Police Command has officially dismissed viral social media reports alleging that a student hostel in Nekede, Owerri, was set ablaze by herdsmen.

The reports, which circulated widely on Facebook earlier on Sunday, claimed that over 80 students were trapped inside a burning building near the Federal Polytechnic Nekede.

DSP Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the state police command, labeled the publication as entirely false and misleading. He warned that such misinformation is designed to incite unnecessary panic and threaten public peace.

“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is entirely false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents,” the statement read.

The police have urged the public to disregard the claims and to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media. Authorities emphasized the importance of confirming reports through credible and official sources before disseminating them to prevent fear and public disorder. The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and security within the state.