By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Police Command has officially debunked a viral video circulating on social media which claimed that herdsmen had attacked and destroyed farmlands in Odukpani Local Government Area.
In a statement released on April 8, 2026, the Command described the footage as “false and misleading,” asserting that it does not reflect the actual security situation on the ground.
Following the spread of the video, which caused significant anxiety among residents, the police conducted an on-the-spot assessment in Atan Okoyong community. The investigation included direct engagements with community stakeholders to determine if any underlying tensions existed.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stated that no such conflict had occurred.
“Engagements with community stakeholders revealed that no recent conflict exists between herders and farmers,” Eitokpah said. “Preliminary findings also indicate that a trailer seen evacuating cattle along the Calabar–Itu Highway may have contributed to the misinformation.”
The police suggested that the routine movement of livestock along the highway was likely misinterpreted or intentionally manipulated to create a false narrative of an invasion.
The Command therefore urged the public to be cautious about the information they share online, noting that unverified reports can lead to unnecessary panic and communal tension.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard the report, refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, and promptly report any suspicious activity,” the statement added.
Reassuring the public of their safety, the PPRO emphasized the Command’s commitment to “sustaining peace and security” and protecting the lives and property of all residents in Cross River.
The Command have provided dedicated emergency lines, urging citizens to contact the Control Room at 0704 177 7060 or the Police Complaint Response Unit at 08137083052 to report genuine security concerns.
