Yobe State Police Command Urged Punch E-Paper To Apologize

By: Usman Ibrahim Geidam

The Yobe State Police Command has condemned what it describes as a misleading and unprofessional publication by Punch newspaper.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the Punch story with headline “Yobe holds mass burial as bandits kill 84” is false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among the public, thereby undermining peace, business activities, and public confidence.

"The report falsely quoted the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, as confirming the said incident.

"The alleged incident being referred to purportedly took place in Mafa Village, Tarmuwa LGA, on 1st September, 2024.

"At no time did the Command issue any statement confirming such an attack.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Yobe State continues to enjoy relative peace and security, made possible through the combined efforts of the Military, Police, and other sister security agencies" He said.

The Police PRO said unlike the Punch report, the state is witnessing the security improvement with over 70 percent reduction in 2025.

"Within the period under review, security operations have been intensified, leading to a reduction in crime rate by over 70%.

"The Command therefore demands that The Punch E-Paper tender a public apology to the Yobe State Police Command and the people of Yobe State, failing which appropriate legal action will be initiated.

"We also strongly caution journalists, media houses, and social media handlers to desist from publishing fake or misleading news.

"The Cybercrime Act 2025 criminalizes such acts, and the Police will not hesitate to enforce the law to its fullest extent against any individual organizations found culpable" He added.