Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng has dismissed reports of a terrorist attack in a church in the state has has ordered the investigation of a Facebook user, Chinasa Nworu.
A press release by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga said the investigation is based on a post made by Nworu, which was found to be misleading.
Nworu had in a Facebook post alleged that four Fulani terrorists sneaked into the Grace of God Church in Awada, in Onitsha on Sunday, July 3 with the intention of harming worshippers. He further stated that they were detected, but while three of the terrorists escaped into the Onitsha Army barracks, one was apprehended and burnt alive.
However, in the statement released, the state police command said the post was totally misleading and was geared towards achieving an ulterior motive.
“The attention of the Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to a publication from a facebook user, Chinasa Nworu saying that four Fulani terrorist sneaked into Awada Grace of God church on Sunday, 3/7/2022 in the evening to bomb the church.
“One of them was captured and burnt to ashes, while three of them escaped and ran into the Nigeria military barrack in that area.
“The post is not only false but a complete mischievous scheme by mischief makers to cause tension in the State by inciting ethnic/religion hatred and conflict. The Police Command will never allow bad elements in any guise to distract the peace we enjoy in the state.”
Setting the record straight, Ikenga said:
“At about 3pm on same date, the command received a distress call, along NEPA road Awada, that a male criminal, name and address unknown was set ablaze.
The operatives, on arrival at the scene made enquiries from eyewitness. The victim is a criminal caught in an attempt to rob an innocent citizen before he was lynched and set ablaze by angry mob.
Also, from the geographical map in the area shows there is no Military Barrack close to where the incident occurred. It was just a mischievous and sensational reaction by the Facebook user to achieve his selfish desire from the unfortunate incident.”
Ikenga said the police commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng has ordered the immediate investigation of the Facebook user, Chinasa Nworu.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng has ordered the immediate investigation on the Facebook user. He described the mendacious publication as unfortunate and one that is capable of misinforming and misleading the general public. He also warned its originators and peddlers to desist forthwith, as they will not be spared if apprehended.”
The command also condemned the burning of the apprehended criminal, condemning members of the public who resort to jungle justice whenever they arrest suspects in respect of any crime without recourse to the Police for proper investigation.
