Audio online message sparks panic in Owerri

An audio message posted online by yet to be identified persons alleging a planned attack in some areas of Owerri, the Imo State capital has triggered anxiety and panic within the city, causing heavy presence of security personnel.
The audio message circulating on social media by a yet to be identified whistle blower intimated residents of a planned attack on World Bank, Douglas Road, Government House, Central Mosque, Relief Market amongst others by unknown individuals.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Police command, Andrew Enwerem on Wednesday appeared on a privately owned radio station, Hot FM to assuage the fears of residents over the audio message, after he issued a press release on the issue.
According to him, residents should not panic because Police has deployed security personnel on the streets, saying there is Police presence in every 1kilometre of the State.
He explained that the Imo State Police Commissioner, Mr Taiwo Lakanu has beefed up security, deployed both uniformed and plain clothes security personnel across the mentioned places, and encouraged people not to afraid by heavy presence of security personnel within the metropolis.
Further he said the Bomb Disposal Unit has been directed to sweep the mentioned areas to avert any breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, DSP Enwerem has enjoined the people to go about their lawful businesses without panic because Security agencies in the state are doing everything possible to ensure security of lives and property while effort is being made to identify the faceless reporter of the audio message.