By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Warri, CSP Josephine Ekebuike, has urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by ensuring thorough fact-checking and verification before publishing reports.
Ekebuike made the call on Tuesday while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, at the division’s headquarters in Warri, Delta State.
Addressing the journalists, the police chief expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and unverified reports, particularly in the age of social media where information circulates rapidly.
She emphasized that journalists have a duty to investigate and verify information from multiple sources before publication, warning that reliance on a single source often results in incomplete or misleading reports.
“There is no way anyone can accurately know everything that is happening without proper verification. When you receive information, don’t stop at the first source. Reach out to relevant authorities, spokespersons and other stakeholders to hear all sides of the story before going public,” she said.
Ekebuike urged media practitioners to return to the core values of investigative journalism, stressing that the profession should be guided by objectivity, public interest and ethical standards rather than sensationalism.
According to her, journalists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, especially during periods of tension and crisis, and must therefore exercise caution to avoid spreading information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The DPO lamented the increasing trend of unverified reports being circulated widely, noting that such reports often contain exaggerated casualty figures and distorted accounts of events.
She observed that once false information gains public attention, it becomes difficult to correct, as many people continue to believe the original narrative even after verified facts emerge.
“Timely and accurate reporting is essential. By the time the truth comes out, panic may already have spread among families and communities. Professional journalists must distinguish themselves by providing credible and verified information,” she stated.
Ekebuike recalled a security-related incident in Delta State earlier this year during which the circulation of unverified information generated widespread anxiety and prompted numerous inquiries from concerned residents.
She challenged members of the NUJ to establish themselves as trusted sources of information at a time when virtually anyone with a smartphone can publish content online.
“The public should be willing to wait for the NUJ’s version of events because they trust it will be factual and balanced. That should be your hallmark,” she added.
The police chief further encouraged journalists to explore innovative ways of promoting professionalism in the digital era while maintaining ethical standards that support peace, stability and responsible information management.
Describing the fight against misinformation as a collective responsibility, she called on media practitioners to continue contributing to the development of an informed and peaceful society.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Francis Sadhere, commended the DPO for her commitment to effective policing and public safety within the division.
Sadhere reaffirmed the union’s readiness to collaborate with the police in public enlightenment and information dissemination efforts aimed at enhancing security and community development.
He explained that the visit was part of efforts to formally introduce the new leadership of the chapel to the DPO and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the media and the police.
According to him, journalists remain vital partners in promoting peace, security and development through constructive engagement with institutions and stakeholders.
The visit concluded with both the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel and the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force expressing their commitment to deepening collaboration in the interest of public safety, responsible information management and community development.
