The police in Ondo have warned fake news purveyors and other mischief makers ahead of the state’s November 16 off-cycle governorship election.

The police stated that such action could cause a breakdown of law and order as the state prepared for the gubernatorial election.

“The police command emphasises the importance of verifying information before sharing or reposting, as constructive engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful environment during this pivotal time in the history of the state,” the police said in a statement by its spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.

The police said it had observed two trending old videos and misleading content being shared with intent to incite unrest and violence.

While explaining that one of the videos depicting flooding in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, was “irresponsibly circulated”, the police added that the action also threatened the integrity of democracy and could deprive the political parties of a level-playing field in the forthcoming election.

“Such actions are not only misleading but pose significant risks, especially during this crucial electoral period, as the spread of misinformation can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardise public safety, and threaten the integrity of our democracy—ultimately depriving the people of a level playing field for the exercise of their civic rights and responsibilities.

“In a similar event, a story alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko was found to be false, as confirmed by the divisional police officer who visited the morgue,” the police said.

The police urged the electorate to remain critical of the information they encounter and distance themselves from those who seek to exploit the current situation for personal gain.

“Finally, while assuring the citizens of the force’s readiness, in collaboration with sister security and safety agencies, to ensure free, fair, and safe elections, the commissioner of police, CP Abayomi Oladipo Peter, wishes to state that the command under his watch will not stand idly by while agents of calumny operate,” it added.

The police stressed that they would not hesitate to respond appropriately and within the law to threats to the peace of the election.

Eighteen political parties have fielded gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming election.