By Chizoba Njaka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has warned residents against spreading unverified videos and inflammatory information capable of escalating communal tensions, following the arrest of two suspects over alleged misinformation linked to the misunderstanding involving Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.
The commissioner cautioned that misleading reports could undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts, provoke reprisals and unnecessarily drag the peaceful Umueri community into the dispute.
According to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects, identified as 17-year-old Chimezie Peter and Sunday Offordile, were arrested in the early hours of October 26, following community intervention, before being handed over to the police.
Preliminary information indicated that the suspects were allegedly intercepted while recording a video featuring some indigenes of Umueri returning peacefully from their farms. The video was reportedly accompanied by claims that the individuals were armed persons from Aguleri allegedly waiting to attack and kill anyone from Umuoba Anam passing through the route.
The police said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video, including the authenticity of the claims, their origin and the intentions behind their publication. The command expressed concern that the circulation of misleading content could heighten tensions among neighbouring communities, incite hostility and jeopardise efforts to restore lasting peace.
It added that the suspects had reportedly made statements relevant to the allegations during preliminary interrogation. However, the police stressed that investigations were continuing and that no definitive conclusion would be reached until all relevant facts had been established. The suspects are being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
CP Oji Ama reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and preventing the escalation of communal disputes through intelligence-led policing and collaboration with community stakeholders.
He urged residents to verify information before sharing it and to refrain from recording, publishing or circulating unconfirmed reports that could misrepresent events, incite violence or create unnecessary fear among members of the public.
The commissioner also advised residents to report credible security concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to speculation or provocative publications capable of worsening existing tensions. The command appealed to the people of Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Umueri to remain calm, exercise restraint and cooperate with ongoing peace initiatives. It warned against taking the law into their own hands or engaging in retaliatory actions based on unverified information.
The police assured residents that they would continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders to promote mutual understanding, sustain peaceful coexistence and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct faces the law.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
#Informationiskey
#Solutionishere
