The Igbo community in Canada has called for calm and urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading false information regarding the recent case involving a Nigerian woman, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, who was arrested in Ontario over threats to poison members of the Yoruba and Benin communities.
The community emphasized that the matter is now in the hands of Canadian authorities, and it is crucial to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.
The Toronto Police Service arrested Sunnberger on Sunday, following a viral video in which she allegedly threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin people.
In the video, which quickly spread across social media, Sunnberger, speaking in Pidgin English, expressed her intent to harm these groups by contaminating their food and water.
Her statements, which were recorded and shared widely, caused significant concern and outrage within the Nigerian community both in Canada and abroad.
In the video, Sunnberger is heard saying, “It is time to start poisoning the Yorubas and the Benins. Put poison in all your foods at work. Put poison in all your water so that you all will start dying one by one.”
She further added that she would use various poisons, including rat poison, to carry out her threats. The video ended with her daring anyone to report her to the authorities, claiming she was untouchable in Canada.
Following her arrest, the Toronto Police issued a statement confirming that the case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
The police indicated that charges related to the “wilful promotion of hatred” and “advocating genocide” are being considered, though such charges require the consent of the Attorney General and may be laid at a later time.
In response to the incident, the Igbo community in Canada, through a statement released by its spokesperson, Joseph Eze, urged members of the community to avoid making any inflammatory comments or engaging in activities that could exacerbate the situation.
“We have always maintained a peaceful relationship with all groups within the Nigerian community in Ontario,” Eze stated. “It is essential that we continue to promote harmony and avoid any actions that could lead to unnecessary conflict.”
Eze emphasized that the matter is now under the jurisdiction of Canadian law enforcement and that the community should allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
“The Igbo Community in Ontario has been closely monitoring the development surrounding the allegations made against Amaka Sunnberger,” the statement read.
“We advise our members to refrain from making public comments or sharing misinformation while the investigation is ongoing. The authorities have taken over the case, and we must allow them to do their job.”
Eze also confirmed that the Igbo Union in Ontario has been in contact with Sunnberger and has listened to her side of the story.
However, he cautioned against the spread of false information, noting that several unverified updates had been circulating on social media and other platforms.
He assured the community that the Igbo Union would provide reliable updates as the situation unfolds.
The incident has sparked widespread concern within the Nigerian community, both in Canada and internationally. Many have expressed fear and outrage over the content of the video, with some calling for immediate legal action against Sunnberger.
The case has also caught the attention of Nigerian government officials. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), quickly petitioned Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, Canada, urging Canadian authorities to take the matter seriously and ensure justice is served.
“This investigation is being treated as a serious matter by the Canadian authorities,” Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement. “We trust that the Canadian legal system will address this case appropriately, and we ask Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could complicate the situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our community informed of any significant developments,” Eze concluded. “Our focus is on ensuring that peace and justice prevail, and we ask for everyone’s cooperation in achieving this goal.”
