ENUGU/Nigeria: The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed as false a statement circulating on social media alleging that the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Mbata, called on Igbo men to take up arms in response to insecurity in the South-East.
The group, in a statement signed by its leader, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, described the report as outright fake news and urged members of the public to disregard it in its entirety. It stressed that the alleged statement did not emanate from Mbata and was deliberately fabricated to mislead the public.
According to the assembly, Mbata, as the leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, neither issued nor could have issued any call encouraging violence or armed mobilisation, noting that such a position would be completely at odds with his leadership style and the long-standing principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The group condemned what it described as malicious propaganda aimed at blackmailing the Ohanaeze leader and sowing confusion in the region, warning that the spread of unverified information on sensitive security matters could have dangerous consequences. It urged citizens, especially social media users, to always verify information before sharing it.
The assembly further called on relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services, to investigate the source of the alleged statement and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a serious concern in the South-East, the group warned that misinformation and inflammatory narratives could further escalate tensions in the region. It maintained that addressing security challenges requires restraint, accurate information and responsible leadership.
The assembly also recognised ongoing efforts by political leaders and security agencies to improve safety in the South-East, advocating political dialogue and non-violent approaches as the most effective means of resolving security challenges.
It further commended development initiatives currently underway in the region and urged relevant authorities to strengthen collaboration with state governments, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to ensure improved security and sustainable development across the South-East.
