The Lagos State Police Command has warned mischief makers to desist from sending false information that will cause fear and panic in the state.
The police spokesperson in the state, Jaiyeioba Joseph, gave the warning following repeated text messages from unknown persons that an explosive device had been planted at the OZONE Centre in Yaba.
The Ozone Centre is one of the top entertainment and shopping centres in Lagos.
Recently, alarming text messages had continued to be circulated, warning visitors to the centre to beware as a bomb will explode there soon.
The suspected mischief makers took the alarming warning to its height recently when the message stated that a bomb had been activated to go off later that evening.
However, a visit to the centre showed no sign of panic as visitors were seen going about their activities without fear or panic.
Also, customers were seen patronizing shops and the cinema at the centre.
Security checks by the private security guards at the centre have been increased as everyone entering the centre was screened with a security device while the security men also ensured that the cars parked by the roads close to the centre were also screened.
Joseph said the police is worried over the text message, stating that mischief makers were out to cause panic and fear in the state.
He said: “I do not know what people gain by sending such text messages but it is false alarm as I receive such message every day on my phone.
“What is their intention?
“It is to cause fear and panic but we are not taking anything for granted.
“Security has been beefed up in the place and our anti-bomb squad has visited the place to comb the area and there is no cause for alarm.
“We are warning these rumour mongers to desist from their mischief of causing fear and panic in the state.”
Also, a private guard at the Centre, who requested anonymity, stated that there was no bomb scare at the centre.
“I have been on duty since morning and everything is going on well here. There is no bomb scare at Ozone,” he said.