DSS arrests social media users for ‘inciting violence’

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested yet to be identified social media users who post “inciting materials and misleading statements”. This was disclosed in a statement released by Peter Afunanya, DSS public relations officer.

The statement in part reads

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has observed with concern, the deliberate plots and attempts by some subversive and undemocratic elements to incite or pit one ethnic group against the other by stoking the embers of tribal sentiments to cause disaffection and violence across the country. 

These unpatriotic actors make unguarded public statements and/or use the social media platforms to instill fear in the minds of citizens.

“These are reflected in the misleading statements and articles being circulated among unsuspecting members of the public. Such inciting materials oftentimes are designed to make or convey false accusations by one group against the other.

“They also resort to skewing historical narratives to suit their objective of masterminding ethnic violence in the nation. So far, some of the culprits have been arrested. 

Community leaders and persons of influence are, therefore, enjoined to be most responsible in their utterances as well as rein in (their) people for national cohesion and peaceful co-existence.

Aggrieved persons and groups are encouraged to use dialogue as a true means of non violent resolution of disputes or any misgivings.”