Rivers Police Expose ‘Herdsmen Attack’ Video as Fabricated

• The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed social media reports alleging an influx of herdsmen and attacks on communities, describing the claims as false and aimed at causing public panic.

The Rivers State Police Command has refuted widespread social media claims suggesting an influx of suspected herdsmen and alleged attacks on communities within the state. The command clarified that the reports, circulated through a viral video, are entirely fabricated.

The video, which purportedly showed herders attacking an undisclosed community before being repelled by Ijaw youths, sparked concern among residents. However, spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko dismissed the footage as the work of mischief-makers intent on creating fear and disrupting the existing peace in the state.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Iringe-Koko urged the public to disregard the misleading content, affirming that no such incident had occurred anywhere in Rivers State.

“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video falsely claiming Fulani herdsmen attacked a community in Rivers State and were repelled by Ijaw youths,” the statement read. “These claims are entirely false, misleading, and designed to incite panic among the public.”

She stressed that the narrative was a deliberate attempt to undermine peace and stability, adding that there had been no reports or evidence of herdsmen attacks in any part of the state.

The police further warned residents against sharing unverified videos or content capable of tarnishing the state’s reputation or fuelling unnecessary tension.

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Iringe-Koko assured that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained fully committed to ensuring safety across the state, with operational patrols, surveillance teams, and tactical units actively deployed.

“The police command under the leadership of CP Olugbenga Adepoju is dedicated to transparent and accountable policing. We urge the public to remain calm, be vigilant, and verify information through official channels before sharing,” she added.