Security Agencies on The Trail of Perpetrators of Bomb Threats in Edo; Police Warn Residents Against Falling for Extortion Trick

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

Residents of Edo State and corporate organisations have been alerted by the Edo State Police Command of the activities of some unscrupulous elements who make anonymous calls to people claiming that some explosives had been planted in their premises with intent to extort money from them.

The warning against the new trick by these unidentified fraudsters was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP).

Ikoedem said the Command was investigating what it described as clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation.

The statement however said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command was also said to be working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

According to the advisory, “The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases”.

While therefore urging members of the public to remain calm, the police image maker advised them not to panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers, assuring that “The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives”.

She also advised residents to “Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed apart from working closely with telecommunication providers, it is also collaborating with other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.