Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Onuoha Bethrand has assured residents and travellers that the state is safe and peaceful given the tight security in the state.
Bethrand stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja by the Command’s Public Relation Officer, SP Williams Ovye-Aya.
He described as “very mischievous” and “misleading” a media report insinuating that the state was hot for now for those visiting the state to see their family or friends and passersby.
“The Command wishes to State categorically and unequivocally that the report is not only the figment of the imagination of the author, but totally fake, misleading and highly pretentious, mischievous and preposterous.
“The report is a deliberate distortion of facts and twisting of narratives in order to sway public perception against the prevailing peaceful atmosphere the state is currently enjoying.
“We believe the report is the handiwork of mischievous elements and agents provocateurs, who are bent on giving the state a bad name for reasons known to them,” he said.
The Commissioner enjoined the general public to discountenance such misguided information and false claims which do not in any way reflect the true security situation in the state.
He also urged the media, especially social media handlers to always verify facts of incidents from the Police to ascertain their veracity before publishing their stories to guard against misinforming the general public.
Bethrand, however, called on all law abiding citizens of the state and innocent travelers to go about their lawful businesses and endeavors without any fear.
The commissioner reiterated commitment of the Command to guarantee protection of lives and property in the state.
“Our commitment to security of lives and property in Kogi remains unwavering, more than ever,”
