The Enugu State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral message claiming that an attack is being planned against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), describing the report as an attempt by criminal elements to create fear and undermine public confidence in the state’s security efforts.
The government said the claim was baseless and similar to previous false security alerts that had circulated in the state but were later proven to be unfounded. It added that individuals responsible for spreading such misinformation in the past were identified and prosecuted.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo.
According to the commissioner, the government became aware of a viral post warning of an imminent attack on UNN by persons described as terrorists and jihadists. However, he stressed that there was no credible threat and attributed the report to criminal elements seeking to spread panic among residents and members of the university community.
“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to a viral post warning of a possible imminent attack on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The government wishes to state unequivocally that this is a false alarm orchestrated by some dislodged criminal elements and their collaborators to spread fear among the populace and undermine the government’s efforts to protect lives and property,” the statement said.
The government recalled that similar false alarms had previously been circulated regarding locations such as the Holy Ghost area, Obollo Afor, Opi, Nsukka, Gariki, Awgu, and other parts of the state, often by anonymous sources.
It noted that those responsible had repeatedly recycled old videos of violent incidents and falsely presented them as recent events before they were eventually tracked down by security agencies and brought to justice.
The state government also disclosed that it is working closely with security agencies to identify and apprehend those behind the latest false report.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the government said the administration of Governor Peter Mbah has made the protection of lives and property a top priority through significant investments in modern security infrastructure and technology.
The government therefore urged members of the UNN community, residents of Nsukka, and the general public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that security agencies remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining peace and order across the state.
