Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra state government has warned peddlers of fake news to desist forthwith or risk prosecution.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor in a statement on Sunday said state government would no longer tolerate information that undermines peace and security of the state.
The warning followed false audio and video messages on social media platforms being circulated by certain mischievous and malicious individuals showing incidents of insecurity in the state.
Mefor noted that the government was leveraging advanced technology to track down the originators of such fake news and will take decisive action against them.
“The latest example is a video with a voice note alleging that Fulani herdsmen attacked a community in Umuchu, killing several people.
“After investigations, the claim was discovered to be completely false, as no such incident occurred in Umuchu or anywhere in Anambra State.
“Fulani herdsmen were not involved in any such attack. The actual incident depicted in the video occurred in another state.
Propaganda from hell
“This is viewed as nothing short of propaganda from the pit of hell, orchestrated by individuals seeking to promote insecurity in Anambra State for reasons best known to them.
“Some old videos, many of which never originated from Anambra, are also rebranded, depicting recent insecurity in the state.
“The government therefore warns that it will no longer tolerate this blatant attempt to undermine the peace and security of the state.
“Meanwhile, the state is leveraging advanced technology to track down the originators of such fake news.
“Government will not hesitate to take decisive action, including prosecution in line with the express provisions of the cybercrime laws.
“So, let it be known that perpetrators of fake news will henceforth be arrested and visited with the full wrath of the law.”
