The
current wave of child kidnapping rumour in the country has been described as
‘false and baseless’, by the police, as such a false information is causing
panic among the population.
Indeed,
this information has already been causing some panic, especially over the last
three days. It has affected learning in the schools, as well as lowered
national productivity as business activity for some people has been shrinking
due to uncertainty about safety and anticipation of more such incidence.
Many
schoolchildren, especially kids, have stopped going to school as their parents
and guardians have decided to sit them at home to protect them from being
kidnapped or from any unfortunate happening.
It
is, therefore, pertinent and timely that such a warning statement is issued by
the Office of the Inspector General of Police to put a stop to creating and
spreading such rumours.
As
the release stated, this is not to discourage the general public from being
alert to any sensitive issue, suspicious or clandestine activity, especially as
related to safety and security.
“The
Office of the Inspector General of Police wishes to reiterate that members of
the public reserve the right to report any suspicious or clandestine activity
to the nearest police station for investigation rather than spreading false
rumour that may cause panic among the population,” the release stated.
It
says the law will be applied accordingly on any one found creating such stories
as child kidnapping.
It
is important that we take this concern raised by the police seriously because
it will affect our social, economic and political fabric. So let’ be wise and
act responsibly.
“Always
listen to the warnings from your heart”
