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The Enugu State Government and the Enugu State Police Command have dismissed reports and a viral video alleging that innocent citizens were attacked and killed by suspected herdsmen in Awgu Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, misleading, and intended to incite fear among residents.

The government and the police, in separate statements issued on Monday, insisted that no such incident occurred in Awgu or any other part of the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the state government said the reports circulating on social media and other platforms were fabricated by individuals seeking to misinform the public and create unnecessary panic.

Agbo stated that residents of Awgu and other communities across Enugu State were peacefully going about their lawful activities, stressing that there had been no security breach of the nature being alleged.

“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to the spurious and completely false report alleging an attack on innocent citizens in Awgu Local Government Area. We wish to state unequivocally that no such incident occurred. The report is fake, baseless, and exists only in the imagination of those peddling it,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to disregard the report and refrain from spreading unverified claims capable of causing fear and confusion among citizens.

He added that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had continued to prioritise security through sustained investments aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Agbo further alleged that some individuals were attempting to undermine the state’s reputation through the dissemination of false information.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals, apparently uncomfortable with the prevailing peace, security, and stability in Enugu State, would resort to fabricating falsehoods in a desperate attempt to score cheap political points at the expense of Ndi Enugu and the state’s hard-earned reputation as one of the safest destinations in the country,” he added.

Corroborating the government’s position, the Enugu State Police Command said it had also investigated the viral video claiming that persons were killed by herdsmen at Awgu Junction along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and found the allegation to be false.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command said preliminary findings showed that the incident did not occur as portrayed in the video.

“The Enugu State Police Command is aware of a viral video circulating on social media alleging that persons were killed by herdsmen at Awgu Junction along Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway in the state. The Command unequivocally refutes the claim and states that the narrative being circulated is false, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary fear, panic, and tension among residents,” the statement read.

The police said there was no report or credible evidence available to substantiate the allegation, warning against the deliberate spread of unverified and inflammatory information capable of undermining public peace and security.

The command urged members of the public to disregard the video and desist from sharing false information, warning that those found to be involved in the creation or dissemination of misinformation would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining public order across the state under the leadership of Mamman Bitrus Giwa.

Both the state government and the police command called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while relying only on verified and credible sources of information on security matters.

They also urged citizens to promptly report any genuine security concerns to the police and other relevant security agencies, assuring them of continued efforts to sustain peace and stability across Enugu State.

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Police officers returning from an assignment along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Anambra State, killing two security officers.

A tricycle rider, who spoke about the incident on condition of anonymity said he was returning from Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area when he suddenly heard gunshots and immediately turned back to seek safety.

According to him, after the shooting subsided, he resumed his journey only to discover that the two police officers had already been killed from the gunshot attack.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, said that the command had already commenced investigations and was taking necessary action.

He said: “A team of police officers were returning from an assignment when they were ambushed by gunmen who opened fire on them. In the process, we lost two officers.

“The police had been working on the matter since Sunday night and has intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.”

The CP however said that he would visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and strategize with security personnel on measures to prevent similar attacks in the state.

He further warned motorists and members of the public to be cautious and avoid approaching unauthorized checkpoints that are not manned by identifiable police personnel and official police vehicles.

The CP added: “Whenever you approach a checkpoint without police vehicles or clear police identification, you should exercise caution. Either turn back and alert the nearest police formation or immediately contact the police for assistance.”

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in an ₦18 million romance scam targeting a Malta-based victim.

The suspects, 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru, were arrested following investigations into alleged computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. According to a statement by the Acting Police Public Liaison Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the case began after intelligence was received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, which flagged suspicious financial transactions linked to the suspects.

Investigators said the suspects were part of a romance scam syndicate that used fake online identities and emotional manipulation to defraud foreign victims. One of the victims was identified as a Malta-based resident whose identity was withheld.

Police further alleged that a Lagos-based suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently on the run and described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Imoru, conspired with Rokibat to open and operate multiple bank accounts used in receiving fraudulent proceeds. Funds allegedly obtained from the scam were reportedly routed through money transfer operators and deposited into several Nigerian bank accounts controlled by Rokibat before being transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana. Ecobank was named in connection with where the alleged proceeds were ultimately moved and spent.

Forensic analysis of digital activities reportedly linked both women directly to the online scam operation, according to investigators. The police added that efforts were ongoing to arrest Emmanuel Amanfo.

The Nigeria Police Force stated that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon its conclusion. Authorities also noted that the arrest reflects a broader effort to combat rising cross-border romance scams targeting foreign victims through fake identities and online relationships, including cryptocurrency-related fraud schemes.

In a related case, the cybercrime centre is also investigating another alleged international romance fraud involving a suspect accused of defrauding a German national of more than €100,000 using multiple digital payment platforms, underscoring what police describe as an expanding pattern of cyber-enabled financial crimes linked to Nigerian syndicates.

The Inspector-General of Police reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts against cybercrime and safeguard Nigeria’s digital space, while the NPF-NCCC urged the public to report suspicious online activities through official channels.