By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
(C) Google.
In what has been described in media space as a quiet but symbolic show of vigilance, many residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have begun purchasing and carrying simple whistles to help alert their neighbours in the event of any unusual movement at night.
Our Correspondent reports that the trend follows recent social media conversations that suggest an attempted infiltration of the town by suspected bandits, claims that spread quickly across online platforms and stirred concerns among residents on Thursday.
At the popular Post Office area of Lokoja, whistle vendors confirmed to our correspondent that they noticed a rise in demand for the small device.
One of the traders, who preferred not to be named, told The Reporters that buyers simply wanted a basic tool to draw attention in case of emergencies.
“People say they don’t want to be caught unaware. The whistle is just for alerting neighbours if anything unusual happens,” the seller explained, noting that most buyers were motivated by caution.
However, authorities have moved swiftly to calm nerves. The Police Command Kogi State has dismissed the viral messages circulating about alleged bandit invasions in Zango, Crusher, and Felele communities, describing them as unfounded and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP William Aya, urged members of the public to disregard the rumours.
He warned individuals spreading false alarms to desist or risk arrest,stressing that such misinformation can disrupt the peace and confidence of the public.
Despite the online scare, life across Lokoja has continued normally and residents seen going about their daily activities in peace.
