The Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across parts of Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace responsible information sharing to curb panic and misinformation.

In a press release signed by the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Sunday Omosule, and the Chapter Chairman, Mrs. Funmilayo Ikueduranni, the institute noted that the growing insecurity has created fear and uncertainty among citizens, while commiserating with families who have lost loved ones or suffered abduction and displacement.

The chapter particularly raised alarm over recent incidents in which unverified reports of impending attacks on schools triggered panic among parents and guardians, resulting in the hurried withdrawal of students from schools and, in some cases, injuries and disruption of academic activities.

According to NIPR Ondo, the incidents highlight the dangers of misinformation and underscore the need for responsible communication during periods of heightened security concerns.

The institute stressed that effective security management depends not only on operational capacity but also on credible communication, public confidence and responsible information sharing.

“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 statement said.

The chapter called on government institutions and security agencies to continue providing timely and factual information to the public, where operational considerations permit, noting that clear communication would help reduce speculation, counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in legitimate security efforts.

NIPR Ondo also urged media organisations and communication professionals to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, verification and ethical reporting, emphasizing that security-related information should be handled responsibly to avoid amplifying fear or unintentionally aiding criminal elements.

The institute further advised citizens to verify security-related information through credible and official channels before sharing or acting on it, warning that the indiscriminate circulation of unverified messages, particularly on social media and messaging platforms, could create panic, disrupt normal activities and complicate emergency response efforts.

It also appealed to community leaders, school administrators, civil society organisations and grassroots influencers to support efforts aimed at disseminating only verified information while promoting public awareness on safety measures and responsible information sharing.

NIPR Ondo pledged its readiness to collaborate with government institutions, educational authorities, security agencies, media organisations and community groups in developing public awareness campaigns on crisis communication, rumour 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,” the statement added.