The Imo State Police have arrested 35-year-old Chidi Azonibe for allegedly circulating a fake threat about a planned attack by Fulani herdsmen on residents of Umuoba in Irete, which caused widespread panic.
According to police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, Azonibe admitted to distributing the notice with his brother, acting on the instructions of Prophetess Ijeoma. She claimed to have received a divine revelation about the attack.
On February 10, residents in Umuoba found a disturbing message on their gates, reading: “FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANY TIME ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US.” The threatening message led to a heightened sense of fear in the community.
Azonibe, a native of Umuelele in Irete, confessed to posting the notice. He explained that Prophetess Ijeoma from the Assembly Church in Irete instructed him and his brother to spread the message as a warning. According to Azonibe, the prophetess believed that Fulani herdsmen were planning an attack.
The false message significantly contributed to the anxiety felt by Irete residents and those in the nearby Owerri metropolis. Police efforts are ongoing to locate Prophetess Ijeoma and other individuals involved.
Azonibe is currently under investigation and will likely face prosecution. The Imo State Police have warned against spreading false information and emphasized that those found guilty of inciting panic will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
