From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Awka
The Anambra state government has debunked pictorial rumours of the ugly incident which occurred yesterday morning in Igbariam as false and misleading.
It could be recalled that assailants armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, invaded Uzo Nkwo community in their numbers and attacked the residents, resulting in the death of nine (9) persons (whose identities are yet unknown), as well as destruction of buildings.
Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, in Anambra state C. Don Adinuba stated this through a press statement issued to the public to disassociate the viral pictures going online claiming to be that of the incident that occurred on Monday morning in Igbariam.
The statement reads; “Following the clash in the early morning of Monday, April 26, between some people in Uzo Nkwo, Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area, and some non-indigenes, some people were killed and some others maimed. Both sides recorded casualties. Security agents quickly moved to the scene and took control of the situation”.
“However, rather than give a reliable picture of what transpired, some external forces have been posting on social media lurid pictures of what took place outside Anambra State long ago and claim that they are pictures of the incident at Awkuzu. The misleading pictures and accounts are so contradictory that while some claim that the dead were indigenes, others claim they were non-indigenes. Each side has been desperate to incite the public against the other”.
“The Anambra State Government is deeply concerned that some mischievous people would go to the extent of producing pictures of heinous killings elsewhere and claim that the murders took place in our dear state.
“If any of the pictures being circulated on a section of the social media were true, those behind them would have produced and circulated videos of the dastardly killings. They would not have stopped at circulating mere still pictures in this era of instantaneous communication and citizen journalism.
“Those behind these false pictures and misleading narratives of the unfortunate incident at Awkuzu have an ulterior motive: to stoke a fire in a state which for the past seven years has been acknowledged by all to be the safest and most peaceful in the whole country. It is a shame that nothing is beyond some vicious elements in this election year in Anambra State”.
Already, the imposition of a curfew in Awkuzu, Igbariam, Aguleri, Umunya, Umueri and Nteje communities from 7 pm to 6 am until further notice is ongoing.
The statement further warns that all those who have been involved in grave security breaches in the state will be dealt with.
