Katsina Police Deny Reports of Bandits Taking Over Kankara, Urge Public to Ignore Fake News

Katsina police deny reports of bandits seizing Kankara, call viral claims false and harmful.

Authorities urge calm, affirm area remains peaceful amid rising concerns over social media misinformation.

The Katsina State Police Command has firmly dismissed circulating reports claiming that bandits have taken control of Kankara Local Government Area, describing the information as completely false and aimed at spreading fear among residents.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abubakar Sadiq, the authorities said there is no truth to the social media posts suggesting a total breakdown of law and order in the area. The police clarified that contrary to what is being circulated, normalcy has been maintained in Kankara, and residents are carrying on with their daily routines without disruption.

“The Katsina State Police Command is aware of a false and malicious claim/report circulating on social media, particularly on X (Twitter), suggesting that bandits have taken over Kankara Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State,” the statement read.

“We wish to categorically debunk these claims, as they are entirely baseless, unfounded, mischievous, and aimed at inciting fear and panic among the people of Kankara LGA and the state in general.”

The Command assured citizens that security in the local government area remains intact. Law enforcement officers, alongside other security operatives, continue to carry out their duties with diligence, ensuring peace and order across the community. The statement emphasized that the command has not recorded any unusual activities or developments that would suggest a takeover by criminal elements.

DSP Sadiq added that proactive security strategies had already been deployed to tackle criminal activities in the region. These include operations aimed at addressing kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling, which have been long-standing issues in parts of Katsina State. According to him, these efforts are already producing positive outcomes, and the security landscape in Kankara continues to improve.

“The command, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property of the good people of the state, especially Kankara LGA,” the spokesperson stated.

The police also appealed to the public to be cautious about the information they consume and share online. They warned that false reports can escalate tension and harm the peace being enjoyed in the area.

“We, therefore, urge the general public to disregard this fake news in its entirety and rely on verified information from credible sources. We also call on social media users to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information online,” the statement concluded.

The Command’s reaction comes amid growing concern over the role of misinformation on social media in aggravating security challenges across the country. Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to be mindful of unverified posts, especially when they concern sensitive issues such as public safety and security.

Kankara has in the past experienced incidents of insecurity, including high-profile abductions, but the police maintain that significant progress has been made in recent months due to joint efforts between security agencies and community stakeholders.