The Ebonyi State government on Monday ordered the arrest of persons circulating a video on social media that Fulani herdsmen were being attacked and chased out of the state.
The state governor, David Umahi said at a news conference in Abakaliki that the video was faked. He ordered security agencies to investigate the source of the fake video which had caused panic and tension.
“Security personnel must ensure that those behind the circulation of the video, which has caused panic across the country, are brought to book. We must increase our security surveillance at the grassroots level. I urge the security agencies to step up and arrest persons circulating the video on social media,’’ Umahi said.
Inusa Sani, secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ebonyi chapter, condemned the misleading video, adding that “it is fake news.’’
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“The video is an orchestrated attempt by mischief makers and enemies of peace. What happened was that on Jan. 2, one of us, Adamu, residing at Ozibo village in Nkaleke Ichaba/enyibishiri community, informed the association of his relocation to Taraba State.
“I use this opportunity to urge the general public to disregard the video in circulation and no Fulani herdsman was attacked or chased out of Ebonyi State,’’ Sani said.
He said herdsmen had cohabited peacefully with their host communities without any fear, molestation, threat or intimidation from any quarter.
The police command in Ebonyi had on Sunday issued a statement noting that Fulani herdsmen were not attacked or being chased out of the state.
