Ebonyi State: Disregard the Rumour of Fulani Invasion of Nguzu - LG Boss, Police
The Ebonyi State Police Command and the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, have dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that bandits and Fulani herdsmen invaded Nguzu Edda Community.
The authorities described the claims, which were circulated through a viral social media video, as a deliberate attempt to create fear, panic, and tension among residents.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday, both the police and the council chairman maintained that no such incident occurred in Nguzu Edda or any part of Edda Local Government Area, assuring residents that the area remains peaceful and secure.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, promptly ordered an investigation after receiving reports of the viral video.
According to the statement, the Commissioner directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Edda Division to verify the claims, while tactical teams from the Command Headquarters were deployed to the area for an on-the-spot assessment.
“The Ebonyi State Police Command is aware of a video currently circulating on social media in which the narrator alleges that bandits and Fulani herdsmen have invaded their community,” the statement said.
Ukandu disclosed that following a thorough search and combing operation of the affected bushes and surrounding areas, security operatives found no evidence of bandits or Fulani herdsmen in Nguzu Edda Community.
“The report is false, misleading, and intended to create panic and fear among residents,” he stated.
The Command urged residents of Nguzu Edda and the general public to disregard the unfounded claims, describing them as the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to incite fear and undermine the prevailing peace in the area.
CP Okafor reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that adequate security measures have been put in place across the state.
She further advised members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command Control Room.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, also dismissed the allegations, saying he had contacted his counterpart in Abia State and leaders of neighbouring communities, all of whom confirmed that no such security threat had been reported.
Ekumankama stated that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local security operatives in the council area had been placed on high alert and were maintaining constant surveillance to guarantee the safety of residents and their property.
The council chairman noted that the security of lives and property has remained a top priority of his administration since assuming office.
He also commended Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for his proactive support in addressing security challenges across the state, particularly within Edda Local Government Area.
Calling on residents to remain calm, Ekumankama assured them that there was no cause for alarm.
“There is no security threat in Edda Local Government Area. Our people should remain peaceful and go about their normal businesses without fear,” he said.
