Police arrest Bauchi teenager over false herder attack rumours

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The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old suspect, Umar Abubakar, for allegedly spreading false rumours of an impending attack on Lanzai community in Darazo Local Government Area and obtaining money from residents under false pretences.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect allegedly went around Lanzai town claiming that herders would attack the community within three days, causing panic among residents.

Police said the suspect also allegedly collected N4,000 from two households, claiming the money was for prayers and sacrifices to prevent the purported attack.

“According to a report received at Darazo Division on June 28, 2026, the suspect was alleged to have gone around Lanzai Town spreading rumours that herders would attack the town within three days,” the statement said.

During interrogation, police said Umar Abubakar admitted that the information was false and disclosed that a 32-year-old woman from the community had told him about a dream in which she believed the town could come under attack.

“He further disclosed that one Hannatu informed him about a dream she had that the community might be attacked. He stated that the claim was influenced by trauma following the killing of three of her neighbours during an incident on June 4, 2026,” the police said.

The command said the suspect is currently in the custody of the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters and that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned residents against spreading false information capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.

“He urged residents to verify information always and report any suspicious activity to security agencies rather than taking the law into their own hands,” the statement added.

The commissioner also assured residents that the area remains calm and that security agencies are continuing to monitor the situation to maintain peace.