The Rivers State Government has debunked reports making the rounds on social media, which alleged that the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd.), had summoned suspended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, to a meeting scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the administration described the report as entirely false and intended to mislead the public.

The government warned against the spread of fake news, which it said was a calculated attempt to create panic and destabilize the state.

READ ALSO: “I Have No Connection To Militants’ – Fubara

The statement, signed by Sir Dede Sampson Friday, Permanent Secretary from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), condemned the social media posts, which it labeled as malicious and fraudulent.

“The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the statement noted.

“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.”

One of the false messages specifically claimed that Governor Fubara and his deputy had been invited to Government House to answer questions regarding appointments and other matters of state.

Reacting to this, the state government firmly dismissed the announcement as fake and emphasized that no such directive was ever issued.

“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.

The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilize the state.”

The government further urged citizens to remain cautious and seek information only through verified platforms, highlighting the state’s official website — www.riversstate.gov.ng — as a reliable source for accurate updates.

Following the deadly attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the killings.

The attack, which took place on Tuesday evening, saw suspected armed herders invade the community, unleashing violence that left at least eleven people dead.

Several houses were set ablaze during the onslaught, forcing many residents to flee to nearby villages.

READ ALSO: No Safety Guarantee For Unscheduled Visitors To Benue – Gov Alia

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Governor Alia described the attack as “condemnable” and assured the public that security agencies were working to track down everyone involved.

He also disclosed that three suspected herdsmen had been apprehended in connection with the incident.

“The National Security Advisor has promised to deploy more security operatives to the state following the current wave of attacks in the state, particularly, the incessant attacks on Otukpo,” Alia said.

He further appealed to security personnel to intensify efforts in ensuring the perpetrators are brought to book.

Reacting to the incident, the lawmaker representing Otukpo constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, confirmed the attack and shared that the assailants stormed the community around 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

Angbo noted that nine bodies were recovered on the night of the attack, while two more were discovered on Wednesday morning.

He also added that several survivors who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical attention in Otukpo.

Meanwhile, security operatives have reportedly been deployed to the area as authorities intensify efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

In a fresh move to ease pump prices and support supply stability, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has once again slashed the ex-depot price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to N835 per litre.

This marks a N30 reduction from the N865 per litre price introduced just six days ago, and a total drop of N45 from the N880 per litre rate it sold at last Wednesday — representing a 3.5 per cent decrease.

The latest adjustment, which was confirmed via a customer notice on Wednesday morning, brings the refinery’s total number of price cuts to three in less than six weeks, underscoring its push to offer more competitive rates amid shifting market conditions.

READ MORE: JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To N865 Per Litre

The new pricing structure, according to the Pro forma invoice and data verified on petroleumprice.ng, already includes all statutory charges from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Industry analysts had earlier hinted at a possible price slash following a drop in the landing cost of imported petrol, which fell to N853 per litre as of Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in a bid to boost nationwide fuel availability, marketers have secured regulatory clearance to import 117,000 metric tonnes — roughly 156.9 million litres — of petrol between April 8 and 16, 2025.

The import volumes were confirmed through documents obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).

More to follow………