A 35-year-old man, Chidi Emma Azonibe, has been arrested by the Imo State Police for causing panic in the Umuoba community, Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area. The man falsely claimed that Fulani herdsmen were planning to attack the area.
According to the police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, Azonibe circulated a false message to the community, warning that herdsmen were coming to attack at any time.
The message was discovered by residents on February 10, 2024, on their gates. It read: “FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME, ANY MOMENT NOW.”
Azonibe confessed to distributing the false message with his brother after they were instructed by a woman named Prophetess Ijeoma. She allegedly received a divine warning about the attack, which led to the false alarm.
“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.”
