Feb 7 • 20:38 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Fake news: Ohanaeze Ndigbo refutes ‘call to arms’ claims

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership has denied reports claiming they issued a call for every Igbo person to arm themselves in anticipation of war.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo sociopolitical organization in Nigeria, has officially rejected alarming claims circulating on social media that it called for an 'urgent call to arms' for Igbo men aged 18 and above. These reports suggested that the leadership, particularly President-General Senator Azuta Mbata, urged the community to obtain weapons due to an impending war. Such false narratives pose significant risks to public safety and community cohesion.

In a press statement released on Saturday, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, labeled the allegations as false, malicious, and potentially incendiary. He called on the public to disregard the information as it aims to mislead citizens and damage the organization's reputation. Chukwu referred to the sources of these claims as being deceptive and expressed concern over the dangerous impact of misinformation in a sensitive sociopolitical environment.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against misinformation in Nigeria, especially within the context of ethnic tensions and political strife. As community leaders like Ohanaeze Ndigbo tackle these issues, it becomes vital for the public to critically assess information before reacting. The organization's swift response also underscores its commitment to maintaining peace and the integrity of the Igbo people amid such divisive narratives.

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