Police arrest two over fake video to escalate communal clash

The police in Anambra State have arrested two suspects over alleged circulation of a misleading video clip capable of escalating the communal dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that at least five people were killed, several houses razed, and livelihoods destroyed in early October in a deadly intercommunal clash between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

The Anambra State Government earlier ordered the immediate closure of the Otuocha Market following the crisis in the communities.

The government subsequently set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the deadly intercommunal clash.

False, inciting video

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said in the Tuesday statement that the suspects were arrested on 26 October by unnamed community members and handed over to the police.

The spokesperson identified the suspects as Chimezie Peter, 17, and Sunday Offordile.

“Preliminary information indicates that the suspects were allegedly intercepted while recording a video featuring some indigenes of Umueri returning lawfully from their farms.

“The video was reportedly accompanied by claims portraying the individuals as armed persons from Aguleri allegedly lying in wait to attack and kill anyone from Umuoba Anam passing through the route,” he said.

Mr Ikenga said the circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video, including the authenticity, origin and intended purpose of the accompanying claims, were being investigated.

“The Command is particularly concerned that misleading information of this nature, if deliberately circulated, could provoke reprisals, heighten communal tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts,” he said.

Investigations still ongoing

Mr Ikenga said the suspects, during preliminary interrogation, made statements relevant to the allegations.

He, however, stressed that the police in the state were still carrying out the investigation and that the circumstances of the incident must be established before any definitive conclusion would be reached.

“The suspects are being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for further investigation and necessary legal action,” he said.

Commissioner’s warning and assurances

Mr Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preserving public order and preventing the escalation of communal disputes through timely, intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with community members.

Mr Ama cautioned members of the public against recording, publishing or circulating unverified content and provocative narratives that could misrepresent events, incite hostility or trigger violence between neighbouring communities.

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The commissioner urged residents to verify information before sharing it and to report security concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to speculation or inflammatory publications.

The police chief also assured that the police in the state would continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders to sustain peace, promote mutual understanding and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct was dealt with in accordance with the law.

He further appealed to the people of Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Umueri to remain calm, exercise restraint and support ongoing peace initiatives.

“No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions based on unverified information,” he appealed.