In a swift move to quell rising tensions and curb the spread of misinformation, the Edo State Police Command has officially clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of four armed men earlier this week, debunking widespread social media speculation that the suspects were dangerous herdsmen. According to the statement issued today by the Command, the men in question were not armed criminals or militant pastoralists, but rather hunters from Kano State who were in possession of firearms as part of their licensed hunting activities.

The clarification follows a firestorm of controversy online, where images and reports of the arrest quickly went viral, prompting a surge of panic and accusations that armed herders had infiltrated southern Nigeria. With growing concerns over security in the region and a history of farmer-herder clashes in parts of the country, the unverified reports gained significant traction, further fueling ethnic and regional tensions.

However, the police have now moved to set the record straight. Speaking to the press, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command emphasized that preliminary investigations confirmed the arrested individuals were licensed hunters from the northern state of Kano who had traveled to the region for legitimate purposes. “The narrative being circulated on social media is not only misleading but also dangerous,” the spokesperson said. “These individuals were not herdsmen. They are hunters who came into the state with their weapons and were profiled after their arrest.”

According to the police, the hunters were apprehended after concerned members of the public alerted authorities to the presence of armed men traveling through a local community. Upon being stopped, they reportedly cooperated with officers and provided documentation that verified their identities and explained their mission. “Our officers acted appropriately by investigating the situation. But upon thorough questioning and verification, there was no indication that these men posed any threat to public safety,” the police confirmed.

The misunderstanding has highlighted the delicate balance between public vigilance and the dangers of misinformation, especially in a country where ethnic tensions and security challenges often intersect. In recent years, Nigeria has grappled with a surge in violence linked to armed groups posing as herdsmen, leading to deep mistrust and fear among rural communities. These anxieties are often stoked by sensationalist or unverified claims circulating on social media, which can inflame already sensitive divisions.

For many observers, the quick and transparent response from the police represents a crucial step in countering the kind of misinformation that has, in the past, triggered community unrest. Security experts warn that the spread of false or exaggerated reports can lead to panic, retaliatory violence, and a breakdown in inter-community trust — outcomes that can have deadly consequences.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible reporting and digital literacy in an age where information — both accurate and false — travels at the speed of a click. In the hours following the initial arrest, several social media users posted images and commentary claiming that the suspects were part of a planned attack or infiltration by northern militias. Some even went as far as to suggest that local communities should prepare to defend themselves, prompting further alarm.

But in contrast to those claims, the Edo Police Command reiterated that there was no evidence suggesting any criminal intent or insurgent agenda on the part of the arrested hunters. “We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete or inaccurate information,” the statement read. “Let us not create unnecessary fear where none is warranted.”

The four hunters have reportedly been released after their credentials and activities were thoroughly vetted, and no charges have been filed. Community leaders in the area have also been briefed by the police to ensure that local residents are aware of the facts and not misled by online speculation. According to a local chief, “The police have done well to clear the air. This matter could have escalated if not for their quick action and communication.”

This latest episode underscores a broader national conversation around policing, firearms, and the movement of people across state lines. While hunting remains a legal and culturally significant practice in many parts of Nigeria, the presence of armed individuals — even with legal justification — can easily trigger alarm, especially in regions where people are already on edge due to past conflicts and security lapses.

As the country continues to navigate its complex security landscape, officials are urging both citizens and the media to remain cautious, verify sources, and resist the urge to spread unconfirmed reports. In a nation as diverse and sensitive as Nigeria, a single viral post can set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.

In the wake of the clarification, several prominent voices on social media have deleted their initial posts or issued retractions, acknowledging the police report and urging followers to wait for official information in similar situations moving forward. Nevertheless, the episode serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly narratives can spiral out of control — and the critical role that both authorities and responsible citizens must play in restoring clarity and calm.

Ultimately, while the arrested men have been cleared of any wrongdoing, the larger issue remains — how to build trust in official institutions while ensuring that security concerns are addressed without descending into hysteria. For now, the Edo State Police Command is urging continued vigilance, but also reason. “Let’s stay alert, but let’s also stay truthful,” the spokesperson concluded. “Our unity as a people depends not just on how we react to threats, but on how we respond to one another.”