DSS Arrests Social Media Users Over Incitement

Nigeria secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Wednesday disclosed that it has arrested some social media users for posting inciting materials and misleading statements.

The agency made this known in a statement to newsmen by its public relations officer, Peter Afunanya.

The DSS stated that the arrested social media users make unguarded public statements to instil fear on Nigerians.

“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,” Afunanya said.

“These unpatriotic actors make unguarded public statements and/or use the social media platforms to instil 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.”

The DSS spokesperson also urged people of influence to be more responsible in their utterances

“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,” he said.