‘Concocted narrative’ — Anambra denies report of abduction, rape in Dunukofia LGA

The government of Anambra has denied reports about a purported abduction and rape incident in the Ukwulu community under Dunukofia LGA the state.

Christian Aburime, chief press secretary to the governor of Anambra, said in a statement on Tuesday that the government has observed that “certain individuals have been spreading false and baseless stories to undermine the peace and security” in the state.

Aburime said the “trending story, which surfaced on various online platforms demanding the attention of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, was found to be another concocted narrative, void of credibility and substance and mischievously circulated to paint a scenario of insecurity within our peaceful state”.

“The supposed female victim of the abduction, in her unsigned and poorly articulated tale, claimed to have been kidnapped alongside her husband and housemaid by Fulani herders near Abba Junction in Ukwulu community, where they were purportedly taken into the bush and endured days of heinous acts before being released upon payment of ransom,” the statement reads.

“However, the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Anukwu Uyanwa, has unequivocally denounced the story of abduction and rape as patently false. He said that nothing of such happened in his community.

“Also, the Anambra State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, has confirmed that no such incident of abduction and rape has been reported or verified.

“Thus, the absence of a credible source and the denial from the traditional ruler of Ukwulu and state police command strongly indicate the malicious intent behind this fabricated story. It is evident that faceless individuals, driven by ulterior motives, have engaged in a false alarm to tarnish the image of our state and create unwarranted fear among our people.”

He noted that Anambra state, under Chukwuma Soludo, the governor, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

“The Governor urges the public to disregard the rampant fake news and baseless allegations by remaining vigilant against attempts to sow fear of insecurity within the state,” Aburime said.

“The government also encourages the public to rely on verified sources of information and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may destabilise our society.

“To report security-related matters and convey security information at any time, the public is encouraged to reach security agencies in the state through any of the following lines: 07039194332, 08039334002 and 07039896429.

“All organs of the state government remain resolute in the commitment to uphold the rule of law and foster a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment for Ndi Anambra and all residents of the state.”