Police Launch Hunt for Originators of Fake School Attack Report in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for circulating a false social media report alleging that armed herdsmen attacked a school in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.

The command described the report as entirely false and misleading, insisting that no such incident occurred in any school within Ezeagu or elsewhere in Enugu State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the command immediately initiated comprehensive security assessments and intelligence operations after the report surfaced online.

According to him, findings from on-the-spot investigations, intelligence gathering and operational activities confirmed that there was no attack on any school in the state as claimed.

“On-the-spot security assessments, intelligence gathering, operational actions and discreet investigations immediately launched by the command clearly revealed that no such attack occurred in any school within Ezeagu Local Government Area or elsewhere in Enugu State,” Ndukwe stated.

He disclosed that security agencies have intensified efforts to trace those responsible for originating and spreading the report, warning that they would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, had directed the command’s tactical and intelligence units to prioritise the investigation and ensure that those behind the misinformation are brought to justice.

According to Ndukwe, the dissemination of false security information has the potential to create unnecessary panic among residents and undermine public confidence in security efforts.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the command’s tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute the originators and peddlers of the false report. They will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across the state, particularly in schools and other public institutions.

Ndukwe urged residents to disregard the report and remain calm, assuring them that there was no security threat linked to the claim.

He also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest police station or any relevant security agency.

The police further appealed to social media users to verify information before sharing it, stressing that the spread of false reports can cause unnecessary fear and disrupt public peace.