The Bayelsa State Police Command has firmly dismissed as false and baseless a viral social media report claiming that four girls were discovered dead in an uncompleted building at Akenfa community in Yenagoa.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Mohammed, the command described the circulating story as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The PPRO clarified that no such incident involving the death of four girls—or any deaths—occurred in the area, and no report of the kind was received at the Akenfa Police Station or any division within Yenagoa metropolis.
However, the police confirmed a related but distinct operation on Monday, January 19, 2026, around 3:30 pm. Operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, responding swiftly to a distress call, raided an underground apartment suspected to be a shrine inside an uncompleted storey building in Akenfa.
During the raid, officers arrested one Ogbe Joseph for allegedly attempting to use a 49-year-old man for ritual purposes. The victim, who appeared drugged, weak, and disoriented, was rescued alive from the scene and immediately rushed to a hospital for urgent medical treatment.
He is currently receiving care while detectives continue investigations.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Iyamah Edebor, urged the public to disregard unverified rumours and avoid spreading false information that could incite fear or unrest. He emphasised the importance of obtaining facts only from official police channels.
The command reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
According to the statement, Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station or contact the control room on 07034578208 or 09167322691.
Authorities assured that the ongoing probe into the arrested suspect would be thorough, with a view to bringing him to justice and preventing similar threats in the future.
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