The police command in Akwa Ibom State has apprehended five persons over suspected circulation of falsified information.

The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this on Thursday during a strategic meeting with youth leaders in Uyo.

Mr Azare said that the suspects circulated falsified information about a non-existent kidnap incident at a secondary school in the Oron area of the state.

The police commissioner said that the information circulated on the social media was ‘untrue and unfair to society’

He said that the suspects had already been charged to court, saying, “This will serve as a deterrent to those who may be nursing the intention to circulate fake news.

“Their actions were reckless and capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.”

Mr Azare said that the strategic youth meeting aimed to reaffirm the collective commitment of the police to collaborate with stakeholders towards promoting peace, law and order in the state.

“We are committed to safeguarding peace, strengthening unity and upholding the security structure that has made Akwa Ibom peaceful,” he said.

He urged the youth leaders to stand as strong voices for the promotion of truth, peace and responsibility.

“Use your positions to counter fake news wherever it arises. Encourage your community members to verify information before sharing.

“In an age where misinformation spreads quickly, your leadership role to stabilise public perception is very critical,” he said.

He further urged the youth to embrace dialogue as a primary tool of engagement, especially in dealing with investors, contractors and development partners.

“Dialogue builds progress, violence destroys opportunities. Let your leadership reflect maturity, foresight and strategic thinking,” he said.

(NAN)