The Abia State Government has debunked reports of a widespread security breach in the Umunneochi axis, dismissing claims as part of an orchestrated campaign to spread misinformation and incite panic among citizens.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government accused certain individuals posing as media professionals of using obscure blogs and unregulated YouTube channels to circulate false narratives about remarks made during a recent post-Executive Council press briefing. Kanu clarified that no casualty figures were mentioned during the briefing, as none had been confirmed by security agencies at the time.
The government also refuted allegations attributing the security incident to Fulani herdsmen or any specific group, stating that the matter remains under investigation by relevant authorities. “For the record, a security breach was reported in Umunneochi, prompting Governor Alex Otti to convene an emergency State Security Council meeting to address the situation comprehensively,” Kanu said.
Highlighting the state’s security achievements, the commissioner noted that Abia has remained largely peaceful since Governor Otti assumed office in May 2023. He credited swift interventions by Operation Crush, a special security outfit, and other agencies for containing occasional infractions, including the recent Umunneochi incident.
Kanu described the misinformation campaign as an attempt to discredit the government’s efforts to maintain security, vowing that such actions would fail. “The Abia State Government will not tolerate falsehood, incitement, or media terrorism disguised as free speech,” he warned, adding that investigations into the source of the fake reports are underway, with culprits facing legal consequences.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and businesses in Abia, urging citizens to disregard the false reports and remain calm.