The Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected herdsmen attacked and set a student hostel on fire near the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The command said there was no such attack in Nekede, Owerri, and urged members of the public to disregard the report, warning that the circulation of false information could create unnecessary panic and threaten public peace.
The clarification was made on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, following the circulation of a Facebook post claiming that suspected Fulani herdsmen had attacked a student hostel and trapped more than 80 students in a burning building.
According to the police, the report was completely fabricated and did not reflect any incident that occurred within the state.
Okoye said the publication was capable of misleading residents and spreading fear among members of the public.
“The Imo State Police Command has noted a misleading publication circulated on Facebook today, July 5, 2026, alleging that Fulani herdsmen set a student hostel in Nekede, Owerri, on fire, trapping over 80 students inside the burning building.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is entirely false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson urged residents to ignore the report and avoid forwarding unverified information on social media or any other communication platform.
According to him, the indiscriminate sharing of false reports could trigger fear, create confusion and undermine public confidence in the state’s security situation.
“The command therefore urges members of the public to disregard the false publication and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing fear, panic, or public disorder,” Okoye stated.
He also advised citizens to verify information through credible and official sources before accepting or sharing reports, particularly those relating to security and public safety.
According to the police, responsible use of social media is essential to preventing the spread of misinformation capable of causing unnecessary alarm.
The command assured residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to provide timely and accurate information whenever security-related incidents occur.
“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely and accurate information on matters relating to public safety,” the statement added.
The false report had claimed that suspected herdsmen attacked a hostel around the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and set the building on fire, allegedly trapping more than 80 students inside.
The claim quickly spread across social media, generating concern among residents and prompting calls for clarification from security agencies.
However, the police said investigations confirmed that no such incident took place and described the report as fake.
In recent years, false security alerts and fabricated reports have increasingly circulated on social media, often spreading rapidly before they can be verified by relevant authorities.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that such misinformation can heighten public anxiety, disrupt normal activities and divert attention from genuine security concerns.
The Nigeria Police Force and other emergency agencies have consistently advised members of the public to rely on verified information issued through official channels rather than unconfirmed social media posts.
The issue has become particularly sensitive in Nigeria, where reports relating to insecurity, communal clashes, kidnappings and attacks often generate widespread public attention.
Because of the country’s security challenges, unverified reports can easily provoke fear, cause people to flee communities unnecessarily or create tension among different groups.
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, located in Owerri, is one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics, with thousands of students residing both on campus and in private hostels around the institution.
The area around the school is generally busy with commercial activities and student residences, making any report of a major security incident likely to attract widespread attention.
The police said the command remains on alert and continues to monitor the security situation across Imo State while responding promptly to any credible threats.
It also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through established security channels instead of relying on rumours or forwarding unverified messages online.
The command reiterated that maintaining public safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between security agencies, the media and members of the public.
It urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, stressing that responsible communication can help prevent unnecessary panic and support efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.