The Enugu State Government and the Enugu State Police Command have denied reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected herdsmen attacked and killed residents in Awgu Local Government Area of the state.In separate statements issued on Monday, both authorities described the reports and accompanying viral video as false and misleading, insisting that no such incident occurred in Awgu or any other part of Enugu State.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, said the claims were fabricated and intended to create unnecessary panic among residents.According to him, communities in Awgu and across the state remain peaceful, with residents carrying out their daily activities without any reported security breach of the nature alleged in the viral reports.
Agbo urged members of the public to disregard the claims and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing fear and confusion. He added that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah remains committed to strengthening security through sustained investments aimed at protecting lives and property.
The commissioner also accused those behind the reports of attempting to tarnish the state’s image through the deliberate spread of false information.Supporting the government’s position, the Enugu State Police Command said it had reviewed the viral video alleging that several people were killed by herdsmen at Awgu Junction along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and found the claims to be unfounded.In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command said its preliminary findings showed that the incident did not occur as portrayed in the video.
The police noted that there was no report or credible evidence to support the allegation, describing the narrative as false and capable of creating unnecessary fear and tension among residents.
The command warned against the circulation of unverified and inflammatory content, stressing that individuals involved in creating or sharing misinformation could face prosecution under the law.Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the police assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant in protecting lives and property across the state.
Both the state government and the police urged citizens to remain calm, stay vigilant, and rely only on verified sources of information. They also encouraged residents to promptly report any genuine security concerns to relevant authorities as efforts continue to sustain peace and stability throughout Enugu State.
