…….In Imo State Amidst Viral Misinformation
In a violent and disturbing incident, suspected arsonists attacked the residence of former Senator Frank Ibezim and set ablaze facilities belonging to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in the Ezeoke-Nsu community, located in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. The attack, which occurred on Monday night, has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
The criminals, who are currently on the run, targeted the NOUN Study Center in the same area, reducing parts of the structure to ashes. The incident follows the circulation of a viral video falsely alleging that the Federal Government had planned to use the NOUN facility as a training ground for repentant Boko Haram insurgents. The misinformation stirred anger within the community, possibly motivating the destructive act.
This viral video surfaced after Tijani Mohammed, the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, alongside Senator Ibezim, visited the NOUN study center. Mohammed reportedly mentioned in an interview with TVC News that the center would host a training program for vulnerable groups, expected to commence before the end of the year. However, there was no mention of hosting insurgents.
A local resident who spoke anonymously confirmed that many community members were outraged by the perceived insensitivity of the government’s decision, especially as there are no Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the area. The attacks seem to be fueled by fears that such a project would disrupt the peace and security of the region.
Additionally, the destruction extended to Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School, which shared the NOUN facility, causing significant losses to the community, particularly in terms of education infrastructure.
In response to the attack, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the incident as barbaric and has mobilized a tactical unit to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Danjuma also warned the public to desist from spreading fake news that could incite further violence or destabilize the peace in the state. He assured that those responsible for both the arson and the dissemination of false information would face the full wrath of the law.
The police continue to investigate the incident, and community leaders are calling for calm while urging residents to avoid acts of lawlessness.
Peoplesmind