Police Restore Calm After False Bayelsa Bandit Alarm

The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandits invading a school in Yenagoa, describing the incident as a false alarm that triggered unnecessary panic among residents.

The misinformation, which circulated widely on Friday, caused tension across parts of the state and led to the premature closure of several schools as worried parents rushed to pick up their children.

According to the police, the panic stemmed from a Facebook post by a user identified as Senator Promise Etete JP, who claimed that militants had captured bandits in Bayelsa State and were demanding ₦50 million ransom for each captive.

The post quickly gained attention on social media, sparking fears of a possible security threat in communities including Ogbuna, Pulaku, and surrounding areas.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, immediately mobilised security personnel to assess the situation and reassure residents.

The deployment included members of the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and the Drone Unit, who were sent to Ogbuna, Pulaku, Sabagreia, Kaiama, and neighbouring communities.

Security operatives also secured key educational institutions, including Ijaw National Academy, Gbarainowei Grammar School, and Fun-Tari Academy, while conducting confidence-building patrols to calm fears and maintain order.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said preliminary investigations confirmed that the report was false and lacked any factual basis.

He urged residents to refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing public panic, stressing the importance of relying on official communication channels for security updates.

According to the command, normalcy has since been restored across the affected areas, with schools and businesses resuming normal activities while security agencies continue to monitor the situation.

The police also encouraged members of the public with credible security information to report to the nearest police station or contact designated emergency lines.

The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false security alerts can create unnecessary fear and disrupt normal life.