False Bandit Attack Alarm Sparks Panic in Bayelsa, Police Restore Calm
By Ebis Freeman, YENAGOA – The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged bandit attack in parts of the state, describing the incident that triggered widespread panic on Thursday as a false alarm fueled by misinformation circulated on social media.
The Command said preliminary investigations revealed that the scare originated from a Facebook post allegedly made by one Sen. Promise Etete JP, claiming that militants had apprehended bandits and were demanding a ransom of N50 million for each captive in Bayelsa State.
The post reportedly caused anxiety among residents, particularly parents, who rushed to schools in Ogbunagha, Polaku and other communities to withdraw their children over fears of an impending attack.
In response to the situation, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately mobilized and led operational assets, including the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams and the Command’s Drone Unit, to affected communities and surrounding areas.
The police deployment covered Ogbuna, Polaku, Sabagreia, Kaiama and adjoining communities to assess the situation and reassure residents. Schools visited during the operation included Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama; Gbarainowei Grammar School, Okolobiri; and Fun-Tari Academy, Sabagreia.
According to the Command, confidence-building patrols were also conducted to strengthen public trust and demonstrate the readiness of security agencies to protect lives and property.
Police authorities confirmed that normalcy has since been restored across the affected areas, with residents resuming their daily activities without disruption while security monitoring continues.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and avoid sharing information capable of causing fear and panic among citizens.
It further advised residents to rely only on official communication channels for credible security updates and encouraged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, who reiterated the commitment of the Bayelsa State Police Command to maintaining peace, safety and public confidence across the state.
