Ondo police dismiss viral attack-alert video, assure residents of safety
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has dismissed, as unverified, a viral video alleging impending attacks in parts of the state, assuring residents that there is no confirmed intelligence suggesting any planned terrorist activity.
The command, in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the video, allegedly featuring a cleric warning of possible attacks, had generated concern across social media platforms.
Jimoh said although the police respected citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and religion, the claims contained in the video lacked credible intelligence backing, urging residents not to spread panic-inducing information capable of causing tension in the state.
He disclosed that following the circulation of the video, the command immediately activated its intelligence and operational units to assess the authenticity of the claims and determine whether there was any threat to public safety.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a discreet investigation into the source and content of the video.
The police added that surveillance operations, intelligence gathering and security deployments had been intensified across vulnerable locations in the state to forestall any possible breach of security.
The command reassured residents that security agencies in the state remained on high alert and were working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of lives and property across Ondo State.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, while advising residents to rely only on verified and official sources for security-related information.
