The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned against the use of social media to incite violence
The security agency says it will not condone any act that is capable of destabilising the country through the use of social media platforms.
This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday its spokesperson, Peter Afunaya. It added that it has identified mechanisms by unpatriotic actors whose utterances in several social media platforms have stirred panic in the minds of citizens and has gone ahead to apprehend some of those concerned.
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“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.
“Findings revealed that these unpatriotic actors make unguarded public statements and/or use 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.
“In view of the Service’s mandate to detect and prevent crimes against the country’s internal security, it reiterates its commitment to the indissolubility and indivisibility of the country as enshrined in the Constitution. Similarly, it affirms its avowed dedication to the protection of democracy in Nigeria.
“In this regard, it will continue to sustain its position on positively and gainfully engaging stakeholders while undertaking appropriate security measures against the undesirable characters whose preoccupation is planning to cause a breakdown of law and order in the country,” the statement read in part.
The agency, therefore, warned individuals or groups involved to desist.
DSS said further that it is determined to ensure that the tribal chauvinists and mischief makers do not continue to exploit socio-political differences and the internet platforms to threaten the peace and stability of the country.
The agency also enjoined Community leaders and persons of influence 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 were also encouraged to use dialogue as a true means of non-violent resolution of disputes or any misgivings.
