Policemen attached to the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Chidi Emma Azonibe, for raising a false alarm in Umuoba community, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state alleging that Fulani herdsmen are planing to attack the community.
The Imo state police command, spokesman DSP Henry Okoye, who revealed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, February 12, 2024, stated that the suspect circulated a false threat message in the community, stating that Fulani herdsmen were planning an attack on residents.
FCNN gathered that the residents of Umuoba woke up on Monday night, February 10, and discovered the threat notice on their respective gates, which read, “FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME, ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US.”
The suspect who is currently in custody confessed to the crime stating that he distributed the notice with his brother, acting on the instruction of one Prophetess identified as Ijeoma who allegedly received a divine instruction about the attack.
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“Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, following painstaking investigations, on 11/02/2025 apprehended an individual responsible for circulating a threatening message in the Umuoba community of Irete,” the statement read.
“The message, which created significant public concern over a potential herdsmen attack, prompted an immediate and thorough investigation by the Command.
“Mr. Chidi Emma Azonibe, 35, a native of Umuelele in Irete, admitted to posting the message. He stated that the message was composed by his prophetess, Rev. Ijeoma of Assembly Church Irete, and that he, along with his brother Amanea, was instructed to disseminate it within the community.
“Mr. Azonibe further alleged that the prophetess told him that she had received a divine revelation from God warning that warning that Fulani herdsmen were planning an attack on the residents of Irete, prompting her to compose the false message as a means of alerting the community.
The threatening words, “FULANI HERDMEN WE ARE COMING WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME ANY MOMENT NOW WAIT FOR US,” has significantly contributed to the heightened level of anxiety among local residents of Irete and Owerri metropolis.
“Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the alleged prophet and other suspects at large. “The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution.
“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.”
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