The Nasarawa State Police Command has dismissed a viral publication circulating across social media and news platforms alleging that herdsmen invaded a crusade at Agboda community, forcing worshippers to flee for safety.
The command also confirmed the arrest of one Evangelist Daniel Ukpo, who recorded the video that fueled the false report.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said investigations showed that no herdsmen attack occurred in the community or anywhere else in Nasarawa State on the said date.
According to him, the reports and video being circulated were misleading and amounted to a gross misrepresentation of the actual incident. Nansel disclosed that the real event involved a motorcycle robbery, not an attack on a religious gathering.
He said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that on 24 November 2025 at about 1900 hours, the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba Udege Division, received information that a motorcyclist was attacked by unknown persons along a feeder road to Agboda Village.
The victim sustained a machete cut and the attackers made away with his motorcycle.” “Upon receiving the report, the DPO alerted vigilantes in the area. Together with the police, they pursued the suspects. The criminals abandoned the stolen motorcycle and escaped. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he is responding to treatment. His motorcycle was also recovered.”
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Further investigation, he added, confirmed that Evangelist Daniel Ukpo—who made the viral video—was currently in custody.
“He has admitted that there was no herdsmen attack and no disruption of any crusade. He explained that residents only trooped to the robbery scene, and he recorded the video which is now being wrongly interpreted online,” Nansel said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, urged religious leaders to avoid making inciting statements capable of heightening tension within the state and across the country.
He also called on journalists and the public to verify information before publication, warning against disseminating unverified or sensational content that could lead to unnecessary panic. “The command remains committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement added. “Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.”
