Police in the Federal Capital Territory Police have said the reported kidnap attack on a serving military officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, did not occur in Abuja as widely circulated on social media, but in neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The FCT Police Command in a statement on Tuesday, explained that an investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, established that the incident took place in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, contrary to reports linking it to the Federal Capital Territory.
The clarification follows widespread social media posts which identified the FCT as the scene of the attack, thereby raising concerns over security in the nation’s capital.
Reacting to the reports, the Command in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner immediately directed an investigation to verify the claims and also ordered the deployment of operational and intelligence personnel to border communities adjoining Nasarawa State to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the FCT.
While acknowledging the gravity of the incident, the command said it was concerned that some blogs and media organisations published the reports without verifying the facts.
“Investigations revealed that the incident occurred in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and not within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command as falsely portrayed in the circulating publications.”.
Adeh said falsely attributing security incidents outside the FCT to Abuja was capable of creating unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety and undermining public confidence.
She therefore urged media organisations, bloggers and social media users to verify security-related information before publication, warning against the spread of unverified reports.
“The Command strongly condemns false and unverified publications, calling on media organisations, bloggers, and social media users to uphold the principles of responsible and objective journalism by verifying security-related information with appropriate authorities before publication or dissemination. The spread of unverified reports not only misinforms the public but also undermines public confidence and creates unnecessary fear.”
The Command also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant while reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
