news

Ohanaeze Debunks False ‘Call to Arms’ Claim

Published

9 months ago

February 7, 2026

Q Tinny

Ohanaeze false call to arms claim dismissed as leaders say viral message urging weapons is fabricated and dangerous

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected what it described as an Ohanaeze false call to arms circulating on social media, which falsely claimed that the group’s President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, urged Igbo men to acquire weapons because “a war is coming”.

Also read: Ohanaeze Youth Council Urges End to Nnamdi Kanu Trial

In a press statement issued on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said the viral message did not emanate from the organisation or any of its recognised communication channels.

The message, widely shared online, alleged that Senator Azuta Mbata issued an “urgent call to arms” directing Igbo men aged 18 and above to obtain guns.

Dr Chukwu dismissed the claim as “false, malicious and incendiary”, warning that the fabricated story was designed to incite fear and portray Ndigbo as promoters of violence.

Dr Chukwu stated that Senator Azuta Mbata had never made such statements and had not authorised any publication of that nature.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the narrative as a dangerous fabrication intended to disrupt public peace and damage the group’s reputation.

The organisation emphasised that its leadership remains committed to peaceful advocacy, dialogue and constitutional engagement for the welfare of Ndigbo within Nigeria.

Dr Chukwu called on security agencies to investigate the source of the misinformation and bring those responsible to justice, noting that the circulation of such content posed a threat to national security and inter-ethnic harmony.

Also read: Anambra Sit-At-Home Tension as Markets Face Sanctions

Ohanaeze also urged members of the public to disregard the viral message and rely only on verified communication channels for official statements.

Up Next

UK to Deport Illegal Migrants, Criminals to 3 African States

Don't Miss

TALI SHANI V MIKE OZEKHOME: HOW A LEGAL MOLE-HILL WAS TURNED INTO A MOUNTAIN

Q Tinny

Click to comment

crime

Katsina Governor Mourns Slain Cleric, Demands Probe

Published

1 hour ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka was killed in Katsina alongside an associate. Governor Dikko Radda has condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has condemned the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate, calling on security agencies to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Also read:Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

The cleric was reportedly shot dead alongside his associate by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday night, October 26, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Radda said he was shocked by the incident and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Islamic community and others affected by the killings.

The governor urged security agencies to intensify efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the suspects and ensure their arrest and prosecution.

“Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” Radda said.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist investigators.

Radda cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions or threaten peace and security in the state.

Describing Masussuka as a religious leader committed to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony, the governor said the cleric’s teachings centred on the Qur’an, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among people of different faiths.

He added that Masussuka was known for speaking against violent extremism and radicalisation.

The governor urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in their faith as they mourned their loss.

“I urge the bereaved family to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah and remain steadfast in faith during this difficult period. May Allah grant them the strength and patience to bear this painful loss,” he said.