By Samuel Oyadongha

YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Promise Etete, for allegedly originating and circulating false information about a bandit attack that sparked panic in parts of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yenagoa on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, said the viral social media post, circulated on June 5, 2026, falsely claimed that bandits had infiltrated parts of Bayelsa State and were being held by militants demanding ransom.

According to the police commissioner, the report created widespread fear among residents, prompting many parents to rush to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted in affected areas.

“The command immediately deployed operational and intelligence assets to verify the claims and discovered that the information was entirely false and without any factual basis,” Edebor said.

He disclosed that through intelligence-led policing, digital investigations and technical tracking, detectives identified and arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The suspect has made useful statements to investigators,” the police commissioner added.

Edebor warned against the irresponsible use of social media, stressing that law enforcement agencies have the capacity to track and prosecute individuals who spread false information capable of causing public disorder.

He urged residents to verify security-related information before sharing it and reassured the public that there was no bandit invasion, attack on schools or threat to public safety as alleged in the viral post.

In a separate development, the command also arrested one Ibobuminaten Oweifa, a son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community, over an alleged attempted murder incident.

Police alleged that the suspect tied a man, Godgift Biko, with wire and set him ablaze after accusing him of stealing wood.

The victim was reportedly rescued and taken to a clinic in Okodi Community, where he received first aid treatment.

The police said the Divisional Police Officer promptly arrested the suspect and commenced an investigation into the incident.

The command condemned all forms of violence and jungle justice, assuring that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Edebor reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report criminal activities through appropriate channels rather than resorting to self-help.

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