Panic, confusion, and misinformation recently  enveloped Owerri  the Imo state capital  followong a security incident around Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) axis of tge state

Media reports have it that the incident involved an attempted abduction along the Eziobodo – Ihiagwa Road which was resisted through the intervention of security operatives, local vigilantes, and community members.

 While the victim reportedly sustained a gunshot injury, there is, at the time of this statement, no verified evidence supporting widespread claims of mass killings or coordinated terrorist attacks circulated on social media.

As a  the watchdog of the society, we are  deeply disturbed by the circulation of misleading videos, recycled footage, edited content, and unverified claims that amplified fear and panic among students, parents, and residents. The dissemination of false or manipulated information during security emergencies can trigger chaos, worsen public anxiety, obstruct investigations, and inflame ethnic and communal tensions.

At the same time, we caution against using the existence of misinformation to dismiss the genuine insecurity concerns of residents and students around the FUTO axis. The area has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnappings and violent crimes in recent times, including the reported abduction of a student weeks ago. These incidents have understandably created fear and heightened public sensitivity to security threats.

We are particularly concerned about the dangerous trend of prematurely attributing criminal attacks to specific ethnic groups without credible evidence or the conclusion of investigations. The hasty characterization of the incident as a “Fulani herdsmen attack” despite the absence of verified identification of the perpetrators risks deepening ethnic profiling, hatred, and reprisals. Criminality should be addressed through evidence-based investigations rather than assumptions or collective blame.

We therefore urge the Imo State Police Command and other security agencies to:

1. conduct a transparent and professional investigation into the attempted abduction and related incidents in the area;

2. publicly disclose verified findings to counter rumors and speculation;

3. strengthen intelligence-led policing and preventive security around FUTO and adjoining communities;

4. improve crisis communication to ensure timely and credible public information during emergencies;

5. ensure that tactical responses comply with human rights and accountability standards.

We note the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the area. However, it is important to state that public confidence in any tactical policing structure will depend not on its name but on its conduct, professionalism, respect for human rights, and accountability. The mistakes associated with disbanded or controversial tactical units must not be repeated under new labels.

We also urge media organizations, bloggers, and social media users to exercise restraint, professionalism, and responsibility in reporting security-related incidents. Verification must take precedence over sensationalism.

Parents, students, and residents deserve both truthful information and effective protection. The authorities must therefore address the real security concerns in the FUTO axis while avoiding denial, misinformation, or ethnic scapegoating.

Finally, it must be stated that  sustainable security can only be achieved in Nigeria through professionalism, transparency, accountability, community trust, and respect for the rule of law.