Anambra government tackles viral fake videos, promising arrests for spreading false insecurity claims.
Officials warn offenders will face cybercrime charges as panic-inducing clips flood social platforms.
The Anambra State Government has issued a strong warning against the spread of false information, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone caught circulating fake audio or video messages on social media.
In a statement released on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said authorities are now using advanced technology to trace the sources of such misinformation. He added that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted under the relevant cybercrime laws.
Dr. Mefor cited a recent viral video claiming that Fulani herdsmen attacked Umuchu community and killed several people. According to him, thorough investigations revealed that no such attack took place in Umuchu or any part of Anambra State.
“It has come to our attention that some individuals are spreading fake videos and audio recordings online to create panic about insecurity in Anambra,” he said. “The latest example is a video alleging a herdsmen attack in Umuchu. This is false. The video footage was from an entirely different location outside the state.”
The commissioner described the misinformation campaign as deliberate and malicious, accusing certain people of trying to create fear and instability in the state for undisclosed reasons.
He further noted that many of the disturbing videos being circulated are outdated clips or footage taken from incidents that did not happen in Anambra.
Warning against such acts, Mefor declared that the government would no longer tolerate the spread of misinformation designed to disrupt peace.
“Those behind this fake news will be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted. The state is fully prepared to deal with offenders using the full force of the cybercrime law,” he added.
