Igbo youth leaders have criticised a report allegedly quoting the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as calling on Igbo men to arm themselves.
Southeastposts reports that the widely circulated statement claimed that Senator Mbata said: “Every Igbo man, from 18 years up, must get a gun, stack weapons. Igbo land is under terrorists’ siege and must be defended. A war is coming in days.”
But reacting to the report, the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly, in a statement, in Awka, signed by its leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, described the report as mischievous, clueless, and malicious propaganda.
Igbo Youths called on security agencies, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to investigate and prosecute those behind the fake news, which it said poses a serious threat to national security.
Furthermore, the statement described Senator Mbata as a renowned statesman and patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records, urging the public to disregard the false report and always verify sensitive information before sharing.
The group condemned the false insinuations and urged members of the public to consciously verify sensitive content before dissemination, warning that sharing unverified information could aid fake news peddlers.
It emphasised that the matter is one of national security and should not be treated lightly just as the youth leaders commended the South East Development Commission (SEDC) for its efforts toward regional development, particularly the South East Vision 2050 initiative, urging it to prioritise security in the region.
Igbo youths noted that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, commending political leaders and security agencies working to secure communities in the South East.
The group further called for political solutions and non-kinetic approaches to addressing the security challenges confronting the nation.
Igbo Youths Fault Statement Accusing Mbata of Asking Igbos to Pick up Arms
By Nwoko
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