YENAGOA, Nigeria: The Nigeria Police Force in Bayelsa State restored order and dismissed rumors of bandit attacks on local schools on Friday, June 5, 2026, after a false social media post triggered widespread panic.
Okay News reports that the Bayelsa State Police Command deployed specialized units to secure multiple educational facilities after parents rushed to evacuate their children from Ogbuna, Pulaku, and surrounding areas.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, stated the incident originated from a Facebook user, Senator Promise Etete JP, who falsely claimed militants had captured bandits and demanded a ₦50 million ($33,333) ransom per captive.
The Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, directed the School Protection Squad, Tactical Teams, and a Drone Unit to conduct patrols and secure the Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Gbarainowei Grammar School in Okolobiri, and Fun-Tari Academy in Sabagreia.
Mohammed said: “Following the deployment, confidence-building patrols were also undertaken to reassure citizens of their safety. Normalcy has since been restored, and residents are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance, while monitoring continues.”
The police advised citizens to rely on official channels for security updates and provided two emergency contact numbers, 0703 457 8208 and 0916 732 2691, for the public to report information.
