The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Chidi Emma Azonibe, for causing widespread panic by circulating a false alarm about a supposed herdsmen invasion in the Umuoba community of Irete, located in Owerri West Local Government Area.
The alarming message, which warned that Fulani herdsmen were planning to attack the area, was discovered by residents on the evening of Monday, February 10, 2024. The note, found on gates in the community, read: “FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME, ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US.”
This message sparked panic among the residents of Umuoba, a quiet neighbourhood that had never previously experienced such a threat. People feared for their safety, and many began to take precautions in case of an attack. However, following a swift investigation by the police, it was revealed that the alarm was false and intentionally spread by Azonibe, who admitted to distributing the notice alongside his brother.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Wednesday, February 12, 2024. Okoye stated that the suspect, Chidi Emma Azonibe, had been apprehended on February 11, 2024, following a thorough investigation.
“The message, which created significant public concern over a potential herdsmen attack, prompted an immediate and thorough investigation by the Command,” Okoye said.
Azonibe, who is originally from Umuelele in Irete, confessed to distributing the threatening message after receiving instructions from Prophetess Ijeoma, a leader of a local church, Assembly Church Irete. According to Azonibe, the prophetess claimed to have received a divine revelation from God that Fulani herdsmen were planning to attack the community. Based on this supposed revelation, the prophetess instructed Azonibe and his brother to distribute the message to residents of the area.
Azonibe explained that he and his brother acted on these instructions, believing that they were helping to warn the community about the supposed danger. However, the police have made it clear that no such attack was planned or imminent, and the whole incident was a fabrication.
The involvement of Prophetess Ijeoma, who allegedly received the “divine revelation,” has raised questions about the role of religious figures in spreading fear and misinformation. According to the police statement, efforts are ongoing to apprehend Ijeoma and other suspects involved in the case.
The police have also warned that spreading false information, particularly when it causes panic or disrupts public peace, is a serious offence under Nigerian law. DSP Henry Okoye stressed that anyone found guilty of inciting fear or unrest in the community would be dealt with severely.
“Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the alleged prophetess and other suspects at large,” the statement noted. “The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution.”
The false alarm has left many residents of Irete and the surrounding areas feeling anxious and uncertain. In an era where tensions over herdsmen-related violence have sometimes flared, the message about a potential attack was enough to create widespread fear.
Despite the fear caused by the message, the police have assured the public that no attack by herdsmen was planned or carried out in the area. The false alarm has, however, prompted the Imo State Police Command to issue a stern warning against the spread of false news and misinformation.
The police have made it clear that they will not tolerate any form of misinformation or incitement to violence. The Imo State Police Command has urged members of the public to be cautious when sharing information, especially when it involves security matters.
“The Imo State Police Command has also issued a stern warning against the spread of false news and misinformation, stating that anyone found inciting panic or unrest will face the full wrath of the law,” DSP Okoye said.
