THIS DAWN — A viral video showing vigilante groups in Rivers State overpowering suspected Fulani herdsmen bandits and killing about a dozen of them has ignited debate across Nigeria.
The footage, which surfaced online weekend, depicts armed men lying lifeless while voices in the background claim they had attacked a community at dawn but were decisively repelled.
In the transcript of the video, speakers describe the alleged assailants as “not Nigerians” and accuse them of disturbing local peace.
One voice recounts: “They just attacked us this morning… unexpected… thank God Allah help us… the criminals.”
Others mock the captured men, calling them “tiny” and “like a cripple,” while celebrating the vigilantes’ “victory” and invoking divine support for future battles.
The narration paints a picture of a sudden assault met with swift resistance, culminating in claims that about a dozen bandits were neutralized.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, fueling fears of expanding insecurity and raising questions about the presence of herdsmen in southern Nigeria.
Police debunk
However, the Rivers State Police Command has moved to quash the narrative, describing the footage as false, misleading, and fabricated.
In a statement, police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko stressed that no such clash occurred anywhere in Rivers State.
“The police command wishes to state unequivocally that these claims and reports are entirely fabricated, designed to incite panic among the public,” she said.
The command warned that the video was the work of mischief-makers, intent on destabilizing the state and urged residents to disregard it.
Authorities emphasized that rural communities have occasionally raised concerns about herdsmen activities. — including farmland destruction and harassment.
However, there has been no confirmed report of coordinated attacks in Rivers.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order.
It called on vigilante groups to continue cooperating with security agencies rather than acting on unverified information.
The police authorities expressed concern that such viral content can quickly inflame ethnic tensions and undermine public trust.
Analysts note that such videos, whether authentic or staged, can spread faster than official clarifications, making damage control difficult.
For now, Rivers State remains calm, with security agencies assuring residents of their vigilance.
The police have urged the public to rely on official channels for updates on security matters.
It warned that unverified social media narratives risk creating unnecessary fear and division.
