…Police Say Publication False, Misleading
By John Ugo , Awka
The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday refuted report in the social media that one Chief Olisa Igbonwa was buried alive by elders in Alor community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state.
Already, tension is brewing in Alor community as family members of the man and the elders are set for violence over the contentious matter.
According to the report credited to one Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV, Chief Igbonwa was allegedly buried alive by the elders of Okebunoye village of Alor community, which is the country home of former Govenror of the state and Minister of Labour Dr. Chris Ngige.
But police on Wednesday reacted to the strong rumour describing the report as fake and misleading.
According to Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV, the elders met and took a decision to bury and mourn Mr Igbonwa alive for taking ‘Ichie Ngene’ title by himself in the community.
Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Ikenga Toochukwu in a statement on Wednesday said, that the publication was false and misleading as the man who was reportedly buried alive was not dead and was not buried.
He said that the man, Olisa Igbonwa had complained to the police that he was threatened by one Mr Uzoma Igbonwa for taking a chieftain year title.
He said that Igbonwa added that he was threatened and given 30 days to renounce the title.
“The attention of Anamabra State Police Command has been drawn to a trending video clip and online publication credited to one Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV that one Chief Olisa Igbonwa was buried Alive In Alor, Anambra State by elders of Okebunoye village, Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra state and that the elders met and took a decision to bury and mourn Mr Igbonwa alive for taking ‘Ichie Ngene’ title by himself in the community.
“The publication is not only false but also misleading. The Command wishes to state that Olisa Igbonwa is alive and was never buried alive as alleged in the publication.”
“Consequently, the Command received a formal complaint from one chief Olisa Igbonwa that he received a chieftiancy title from HRM Igwe Alor but was threatened by one Mr Uzoma Igbonwa and others to renounce the chieftiancy title within 30days or he will face dare consequences
T “The Commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng has ordered for discreet investigation into the matter and to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to bring perpetrators to book.
“The Commissioner of police also urged members of the public especially the press to always cross check their facts before publication in order not to mislead the public. “
The command said investigation is still ongoing and further details shall be communicated on the incident.
