TheCable

Three teenagers have been arrested for “disseminating fake news” of an impending attack in some communities in southern Kaduna.

The teenagers, who were said to be under 18 years, had pretended to be herdsmen and called residents that they were coming to attack some communities in the area.

This was said to have caused panic among the residents who started relocating from the community with their loved ones.

Speaking when he received Samuel Aruwan, commissioner of internal security and home affairs, on Tuesday, David Nwakonobi, sector commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), an outfit of the Nigerian Army, said the suspects were arrested in Sabon Kaura village, Zangon Kataf local government of the state.

He said military intelligence and troops attached to the OPSH tracked down the suspects who confessed that they were behind the fake news.

“We are happy to receive you and will want the government to know, that we have arrested three persons that phoned Ungwan Kwaki village in Jema’a local government to deliver fake news of an impending attack that caused panic,” Nwakonobi said.

“Troops tracked the phone used by the suspects and arrested Joel Luka, Emmanuel Daniel and Sylvester Daniel who claimed to be Fulani from Dangoma coming for an attack, which was later found out to be fake, contrary to the pandemonium that saw women, children and the aged being evacuated from the community.”

Speaking on the development, the commissioner commended communities in the southern Kaduna area for the support given to security agencies, adding that government will continue to engage communities in peace building.

Southern Kaduna has been battling with crisis between the locals and herdsmen over the years. This has led to loss of lives and properties.