The Yagba West Local Government Council in Kogi has refuted reports circulating in some quarters alleging a mass abduction in the area.
A source within the council told newsmen that the report was false and misleading, noting that there was no incident of mass kidnapping in the local government.
The source explained that the only reported incident involved the abduction of an elderly man who later escaped following the swift pursuit of the kidnappers by security agencies.
According to the source, panic triggered by previous security incidents in the area may have led to widespread fear and misinformation among residents.
The source further noted that a similar situation occurred in Ejiba on Monday when residents panicked after hearing gunshots.
He said the incident was initially rumoured to be a mass abduction but was later confirmed to have been caused by a hunter.
The council, therefore, urged residents to remain calm and desist from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension in the community.
It also assured the public that security agencies were on alert and working to ensure the safety of lives and property across the local government area.
