The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that two wedding guests were shot dead during a ceremony in Abuja, describing the viral publication as false, misleading, and capable of inciting unnecessary panic among residents of the nation’s capital.
In a detailed clarification issued on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the alleged incident did not occur within Abuja’s territorial boundaries but in Niger State, contrary to what was suggested in the misleading report.
According to the statement, investigative checks and geographical verification by the FCT Police Command revealed that all the communities mentioned in the said report—Garam, Rafin-Azum, and Tafa Local Government Area—are located in Niger State, even though they share borders with the FCT.
“Furthermore, the Suleja Police Area Command cited in the report falls under the jurisdiction of the Niger State Police Command, not the FCT Command. It is therefore misleading to attribute the unfortunate incident to the FCT, as neither the location nor the responsible police jurisdiction is within the Federal Capital Territory,” Adeh clarified.
The Command expressed sympathy with the families of those affected by the tragic event in Niger State but urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, especially when it concerns sensitive security issues.
Adeh noted that while border towns like Garam and Rafin-Azum are geographically close to Abuja, they remain under the administrative and policing control of Niger State. She cautioned that such inaccurate reports not only distort facts but also risk creating undue fear and tension among Abuja residents.
“We understand that the proximity of these communities to the FCT may lead to confusion. However, accuracy in reporting is crucial to avoid public misunderstanding and to maintain the integrity of our information ecosystem,” she added.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Adewale, also addressed the issue, reiterating the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the territory. He urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, emphasizing that the FCT remains peaceful and under firm security watch.
“We appeal to journalists and content creators to always confirm the jurisdiction of incidents before publication. The Command continues to strengthen surveillance and intelligence-sharing, particularly in border communities between the FCT and neighboring states,” CP Adewale stated.
The Police further encouraged residents to promptly report any suspicious activity or persons to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines, assuring the public that every credible tip would be swiftly acted upon.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential of false reports to undermine public confidence in security agencies.
With this latest statement, the FCT Police Command has reaffirmed its stance on transparency, accuracy, and proactive communication with the media and citizens, emphasizing that no lives were lost in any wedding-related violence within the Federal Capital Territory.
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