The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday denied a viral claim that it arrested the cleric who raised a false alarm alleging that Fulani herdsmen attacked a Christian crusade in Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communication, Favour Dozie, the agency said it neither arrested nor invited the evangelist named in the report. Favour Dozie
The Service described the allegation as erroneous and potentially dangerous to national cohesion.
“This claim is incorrect and appears intended to cast the Service in a bad light as well as stir public tension,” the DSS said.
Providing clarification, the agency affirmed that the said evangelist was not a subject of any Department of State Services engagement.
“For clarity, Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited nor arrested by the DSS,” the Service stated.
The Service cited confirmation received from his family regarding his location at the time the rumour spread.
DSS stated, “His spouse, Elizabeth, who originated ..., when contacted, confirmed that she was with him at the Police Headquarters, Lafia.”
The Service warned that such misrepresentation could inflame tension and interfere with ongoing security focus.
“Therefore, the Service views such misrepresentations in ways that could inflame tension or disrupt ongoing operations, seriously,” it said.
In its closing advisory, the agency asked the public to rely strictly on verified sources for national security updates.
“Consequently, the Service advises the public to depend on verified information and communication channels to stem the spate of disinformation that may be exploited to further distort national security,” DSS added.
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