The Enugu State Police Command on Thursday dismissed as false and unfounded rumours of alleged invasion of Umuchigbo Abakpa Nike community in Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Ebere Amarizu.
It said that the rumours were engineered by those wishing to cause disaffection in the state.
“The attention of the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to the rumours making the round that some violent herdsmen have invaded Umuchigbo Abakpa Nike.
“The rumour has it that the community and others closed to it have been deserted, but the command wishes to make it clear that this is not only false but baseless and unfounded,” the statement said.
It advised “members of the public particularly residents and people of the state to go about their normal pursuits without fear while rumour peddlers are warned to desist forthwith”.
The statement stressed that the command in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies had fortified security along Umuchigbo axis to prevent any breach of the peace.
Rumours had it that Umuchigbo Abakpa Nike community had allegedly received threats of invasion from suspected herdsmen two days after the invasion of Ukpabi Nimbo community.
The residents were said to be agitated, after similar threats by suspected herdsmen manifested in an attack on Ukpabi Nimbo community on April 23 which left scores dead and several people injured.
