Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command of Nigeria Police Force has said it is aware of publications circulating on social media alleging an attack on a serving military officer, identified as Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, by suspected kidnappers within the FCT.
The Command, while acknowledging the gravity of the reported incident, stated categorically that the incident did not occur within the FCT.
It be recalled that the social media publications disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday evening when the assailants allegedly attacked the officer shortly after he returned from work.
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According to the publications, the attackers reportedly attempted to abduct the officer or members of his family. During the incident, Colonel Ude was fatally shot, while his wife, driver and security guard sustained gunshot injuries.
However, in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday night by the FCT Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command clarified that: “Upon becoming aware of the publications, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, ordered an in-depth investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
“Consequently, investigations revealed that the incident occurred in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and not within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command as falsely portrayed in the circulating publications.
“The Command is concerned that some blogs and media outlets in an attempt to gain traction, have deliberately attributed the incident to the FCT, thereby creating unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, and misinforming residents of the nation’s capital.”
“The CP FCT Command has also proactively ordered the immediate deployment of operational and intelligence assets to border communities adjoining the FCT with Nasarawa State, to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to infiltrate the Federal Capital Territory or perpetrate any criminal activity within the nation’s capital.
“The Command strongly condemns false and unverified publications, calling on media organisations, bloggers, and social media users to uphold the principles of responsible and objective journalism by verifying security-related information with appropriate authorities before publication or dissemination. The spread of unverified reports not only misinforms the public but also undermines public confidence and creates unnecessary fear.”
According to the statement, the Command urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while going about their lawful activities. Residents are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.