News about 230 Igbo killed in Jos Fake, to stir up ethnic conflicts – Police

Abiodun OBA

The Police Command in Plateau has called on members of the public, to disregard the dangerous rumour or fake news about 230 Igbo killed in Jos and go about their lawful businesses.

ASP Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, dismissed the report in a statement on Sunday.

Social media reports claimed two luxury bus conveying commuters of Igbo extraction were set ablaze, with the 230 passengers killed, in Jos.

Ogaba maintained that the report was malicious and an attempt by mischief makers to stir up ethnic conflicts in the state and the country at large.

The PPRO said, “The command hereby states categorically that there is no record of such incident anywhere in Jos.

“We urge members of the public to disregard and stop the spread of such as fake news capable of inspiring unwarranted panic, hatred, negativity, chaos and tribal conflict among the well-spirited residents of Plateau and Nigeria in general.

“We enjoin all citizens to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing prompt and useful information that will help to enhance the security of the state rather than spreading unverified information capable of heating up the polity.

“On this note, we wish to reaffirm our resolve toward the provision of adequate security within the state and even beyond,” he said.

The spokesperson also urged residents to report all suspicious movements, emergency or distress to the nearest police formation for prompt response.