There was tension in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, following the rumour that bandits were in town.

The rumour gathered momentum by noon, making residents to close shops momentarily, with others rushing to schools to pick their wards to avoid being caught in an unpleasant situation.

In the melee that followed , several people were reported to have sustained injuries ,with traders loosing goods while scampering for safety.

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Residents of Felele, Crusher and Zango communities in the surburb of Lokoja reportedly had a tough time while students and staff of the two tertiary institutions in that flank, Federal University, Lokoja, and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, had a hectic time running for their lives .

According a resident in Felele- Lokoja, Mallam Usman Haruna, the rumour of bandits’ attack reached the area around 11.30am.

“A woman was reported to have got a phone call from Kabbajunction that terrorists were on their way to Lokoja from Zango. She raised alarm to that effect, making neighbours to spread it loud in the community.

“Shop owners hurriedly closed down business, and motorcyclists and Keke Napep withdrew their services. Several of the riders rammed into each, with other hitting pedestrians”, said Haruna, a fruit seller at Felele-lokoja.

However, the Kogi state police command described the news of bandits’ attack circulating in Lokoja as “fake news”, urging people to disregard the rumour and go about with their normal business.

In the statement signed by the spokesperson of state police command, CSP William Aya, the police authorities warned those peddling rumors of bandits’ invasion to desist from spreading false alarms, or risk the full wrath of the law.

The statement read: “The Kogi State Police Command is assuring residents that there’s no truth to rumors of bandit invasion in Zango, Crusher, and Felele communities in Lokoja. The story is “fake news” meant to create unnecessary tension in the State

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has warned those peddling rumors of bandit invasion to desist from spreading false alarms, causing unnecessary fears and panic among the good people of the state. Anyone found guilty of spreading false alarms will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“The CP reaffirmed the deployment of tactical teams, including the Police Mobile Force and counter-terrorism units, to strategic locations to ensure safety. Residents are being urged to go about their daily activities as usual and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.”