Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Imo State Police Command has officially dismissed as entirely false a viral social media report alleging that suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked and set ablaze a student hostel near the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, trapping more than 80 students inside the burning building. In a statement issued on Sunday, 5 July 2026, the command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, described the publication circulating on Facebook as "misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents". The police said no such incident occurred in the Nekede area and urged members of the public to disregard the report and refrain from sharing unverified information.
The false report, which spread rapidly across Facebook on Sunday, claimed that suspected Fulani herdsmen had attacked a hostel around the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and set the building on fire, allegedly trapping more than 80 students inside. The claim generated widespread concern among residents and prompted calls for clarification from security agencies. However, the police said investigations confirmed that no such incident took place and described the report as fabricated. There was no indication of any security breach in the Nekede area on Sunday, as students of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and other residents were observed going about their normal activities.
In a statement, the police command said: "The Imo State Police Command has noted a misleading publication circulated on Facebook today, 5th July, 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 police spokesperson urged residents to ignore the report and avoid forwarding unverified information on social media or any other communication platform. He warned that the indiscriminate sharing of false reports could trigger fear, create confusion, and undermine public confidence in the state's security situation.
The command further cautioned residents against sharing unverified information capable of creating fear, panic, or public disorder, urging the public to verify claims through credible and official sources before circulating them. "Citizens are advised to always verify the authenticity of information through credible and official sources before sharing it on social media or other platforms," Okoye said. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that it would continue to provide timely and accurate information on public safety matters. "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.
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. As the police continue their investigation into the source of the false report, residents of Nekede and surrounding communities have been assured that there is no immediate threat to their safety, and normal activities in the area remain uninterrupted.
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