By Bukola Olamona

The Ondo State Police Command has urged residents to be cautious when sharing unverified contents on social media, following the circulation of a viral video that falsely claimed to depict a recent kidnapping incident in the state.

In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, and made available to Weekend Hope, the police clarified that the video was entirely false and misrepresented an event that occurred in a community in neighbouring Edo State last year, not Ondo State.

The command condemned what it described as “the deliberate spread of disinformation,” warning that such actions could lead to unnecessary panic and undermine the ongoing efforts of security agencies in the state.

“This video is not only false but dangerous. It misleads the public and undermines the work of our security agencies,” the statement read.

The police also reminded residents that spreading false information could potentially escalate tensions within the community.

The police reassured residents that security operations remain active across the state, maintaining a commitment to protecting lives and property.

They urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.