NGThe Imo State Police Command has denied reports that suspected herdsmen attacked and set on fire a student hostel at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, claiming the allegations are completely false. These claims had been circulating on Facebook, suggesting that over 80 students were trapped inside the burning hostel. The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the report was misleading and warned that spreading such unverified information could cause unnecessary panic and public disorder. The police urged the public to disregard the false report and to verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it online. This comes amid similar incidents where misinformation has been used to spread fear, such as accusations against influencers for circulating false flood images in Lagos.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the police's denial of the incident without taking a stance on the broader issue of herdsmen violence or misinformation. It focuses on the police response and their appeal for the public to rely on verified sources, maintaining neutrality in its framing.
