The Ebonyi State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a new terrorist group has emerged in the state and that dozens of people have been kidnapped in Izzi Local Government Area.
The command described the reports circulating on social media as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary fear among residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Friday.
Police warn against unverified reports
Ukandu urged members of the public, particularly journalists and social media users, to verify information before sharing reports that could cause panic or damage public confidence.
He said the police were responding to a social media claim alleging that a new terror group had taken responsibility for a series of kidnappings in Ebonyi State.
According to the police, the report was based on a conversation involving a relative of one of the persons allegedly missing.
The command described the claim that more than 100 Ebonyi residents were being held captive as an exaggeration without evidence from security records or reported incidents.
Investigation into alleged abduction
The police spokesperson explained that the incident behind the online report was initially reported on July 28 by Okemini Ogbonna, who informed authorities that his three brothers had left home on July 27 to watch a football match but failed to return.
Ukandu said Ogbonna later received a message from a group identifying itself as “Bloody Vampires”, claiming responsibility for the disappearance.
The group allegedly demanded a ransom of five million US dollars from the state government and threatened to harm the victims if the demand was not met within 62 hours.
Following the report, Ukandu said police investigators began efforts to trace the source of the messages and identify those behind the threats.
Police uncover alleged scam operation
The PPRO said investigations led officers to a location near the Ogun State Correctional Centre.
He added that during the investigation, police encountered another person who had reportedly been targeted by the same group using a similar extortion method.
According to Ukandu, the individual realised the operation was fraudulent and threatened to report the matter to police.
He said another person allegedly linked to the scheme later emerged from a nearby community where he had been hiding.
The police said investigations are continuing to determine the full details of the incident and identify all individuals involved.
Command assures residents of security
The Ebonyi Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor, assured residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The command urged citizens to rely on verified information from security agencies and avoid spreading claims that could create unnecessary anxiety.
Background Information
Nigeria has experienced increased concerns over insecurity, including kidnapping, terrorism and organised crime in several regions.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned against misinformation and false security reports, noting that unverified claims can create panic and complicate investigations.
Social media platforms have increasingly become a source of both emergency information and misinformation during security incidents.
