The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed a widely circulated social media video alleging herdsmen attacks on local communities, describing the footage as fabricated and aimed at inciting panic.

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko says that the video, which purportedly showed Ijaw youths repelling armed herders, was the work of “mischief-makers” seeking to disrupt the state’s peace. She stressed that no such incidents have been reported anywhere in Rivers, adding that the claims were “false, misleading, and designed to incite panic.”

Under Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju, the command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding residents through patrols, surveillance, and tactical operations. The statement urged the public to verify information through official channels before sharing, warning that misinformation could damage the state’s reputation and community harmony.

The clarification comes amid broader concerns over fake news in Nigeria, where similar viral claims have heightened ethnic tensions in other states. In Rivers, known for its diverse communities and occasional communal disputes, authorities maintain that security remains stable, with no confirmed herdsmen incursions.

Residents interviewed by local media expressed relief at the police response, though some urged quicker official reactions to online rumors to prevent unnecessary fear.