POLICE NAB MAN FOR CAUSING PANIC IN IMO COMMUNITY
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Chidi Azonibe, 35, was taken into custody by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly spreading a notification alleging a Fulani herdsmen attack on Umuoba villagers in Irete and inciting fear.
According to a statement from DSP Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson, the suspect acknowledged that he and his brother had circulated the notice at the direction of Prophetess Ijeoma, who had received a divine directive regarding the attack.
On Monday night, February 10, residents of Umuoba saw a threat note on their gates that was purportedly scrawled by Fulani herdsmen in Irete, which is located in Imo State’s Owerri West Local Government Area.
The notice which read, “FULANI HERDMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME, ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US,” caused panic waves among the residents.
According to Azonibe, his prophetess, Rev. Ijeoma of Assembly Church, Irete, wrote the message. He and his brother, Amanea, were told to spread it throughout the community.
He said that Prophetess Ijeoma chose to provide the notice to the locals after receiving a divine revelation from God on the Fulani herdsmen’s intended attack.
Following extensive investigations, Imo State Police Command operations have detained a person who was spreading a threatening message in the Umuoba village of Irete, according to the statement. The communication sparked a rapid and comprehensive inquiry by the command after it raised serious public concerns about a possible herdsmen assault.
“Mr. Chidi Emma Azonibe, 35, a native of Umuelele in Irete, admitted to posting the message. He stated that the message was composed by his prophetess, Rev. Ijeoma of Assembly Church, Irete, and that he, along with his brother Amanea, was instructed to disseminate it within the community.
“Mr Azonibe further alleged that the prophetess told him that she had received a divine revelation from God warning that Fulani herdsmen were planning an attack on the residents of Irete, prompting her to compose the false message as a means of alerting the community.
“The threatening words, ‘FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING, WAIT FOR US AT ANY TIME ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US,’ has significantly contributed to the heightened level of anxiety among residents of Irete and Owerri metropolis. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the alleged prophetess and other suspects at large.”
Okoye said the suspect was currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution.
However, he warned sternly that the police command frowned on the spread of inciting messages adding that violators would be prosecuted.
He said, “The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution. The Imo State Police Command has also issued a stern warning against the spread of false news and misinformation, as anyone found inciting panic or unrest will face the full wrath of the law.”
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