NIPR ONDO URGES RESPONSIBLE INFORMATION SHARING AND STRATEGIC SECURITY COMMUNICATION AMID RISING INSECURITY AND SCHOOL PANIC INCIDENTS
The Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) expresses grave concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across parts of Nigeria, as well as the growing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty they have generated among citizens.
The Chapter commiserates with families who have lost loved ones, those who have suffered abduction or displacement, and communities living under the shadow of insecurity. Every citizen deserves to live, work, and learn in safety and dignity.
NIPR Ondo is particularly concerned by recent incidents in which unverified reports of impending attacks on schools triggered panic among parents and guardians, leading to the hurried withdrawal of students and, in some cases, injuries and disruption of academic activities. These unfortunate developments underscore the dangers of misinformation and the need for responsible communication during periods of heightened security concern.
As a professional body committed to ethical communication and public trust, NIPR Ondo notes that effective security management depends not only on operational capacity but also on credible communication, public confidence, and responsible information sharing. In times of insecurity, information becomes as critical as security itself.
The Chapter therefore calls on all stakeholders to play their respective roles in promoting public calm, vigilance, and factual communication.
Government institutions and security agencies should continue to provide timely and factual information to the public, where operational considerations permit. Clear communication helps reduce speculation, counters misinformation, and strengthens public confidence in legitimate security efforts.
Media organizations and communication professionals are encouraged to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, verification, and ethical reporting. Security-related information should be handled with utmost responsibility to avoid amplifying fear or unintentionally aiding criminal elements.
Citizens are urged to verify security-related information through credible and official channels before sharing or acting upon it. The indiscriminate circulation of unverified messages, particularly on social media and messaging platforms, can create panic, disrupt normal activities, and complicate emergency response efforts.
Community leaders, school administrators, civil society organizations, and grassroots influencers should support efforts to disseminate only verified information and promote public awareness on safety measures and responsible information sharing.
In line with its professional mandate, NIPR Ondo State Chapter stands ready to collaborate with government institutions, educational authorities, security agencies, media organizations, and community groups in developing public awareness campaigns on crisis communication, rumor management, media literacy, and community resilience.
At this critical time, Nigerians must remain vigilant without becoming fearful, informed without becoming alarmed, and united against all forms of criminality and misinformation.
Security is everyone’s business. Responsible communication is everyone’s responsibility.
E-Signed,
*Sunday Omosule*,
_Chapter Secretary_
*Funmilayo Ikueduranni*
_Chapter Chairman_
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
Ondo State Chapter.
Date: _June 5, 2026_
