Nigerian Army debunks rumors of soldiers killed in Ebonyi community crisis.
The way fake news travels in this country is sometimes faster than the speed of light. Recently, social media was buzzing with a very scary story that some of our gallant soldiers had been killed during a communal crisis in Ebonyi State.
For many of us who have family members in the military, our hearts skipped a beat when we saw those headlines. However, as a professional editor who always digs deep for the truth, I can tell you that those reports were nothing but a big “yarn” designed to cause unnecessary panic.
The Nigerian Army has officially come out to clear the air, stating clearly that no soldier lost his life in the line of duty during the recent unrest in the state. This clarification is a huge relief for the public and a reminder that we must be very careful about the kind of “gist” we consume and share on our WhatsApp groups and blogs.
The real truth behind the deployment of troops to the conflict zone
According to the statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, who is the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the reports circulating on social media are a total fallacy.
The “koko” of the matter is that while there was indeed a community crisis in the Ikwo and Abakaliki areas, the military was only there to maintain peace and order. Some mischievous people decided to record videos and spread lies that the troops were being attacked or killed.
Lieutenant Colonel Unuakhalu made it clear that the troops are very much on the ground and doing their jobs professionally. No soldier was harmed, and the military remains in total control of the security situation in the area.
We need to understand that the presence of soldiers in a community does not always mean there is a bloodbath; often, they are the only ones standing between total chaos and peace.
Why fake news is the biggest threat to peace in Ebonyi
As an editor watching the security situation in the South East, I have noticed that fake news is becoming a major “wahala” for our security agencies. When someone sits in their room and fabricates a story about soldiers being killed, they are not just lying; they are inciting more violence and creating fear in the minds of the people.
This kind of disinformation makes the work of our security forces even harder because it creates a gap of trust between the community and the army.
The military has urged the people of Ebonyi and the general public to disregard these baseless rumors. We must learn to wait for official confirmation before we start crying over a situation that does not exist. Spreading such lies only gives strength to criminals and makes the law abiding citizens feel unsafe in their own homes.
Army remains committed to protecting lives and properties in the South East
At the end of the day, the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of every Nigerian. The 82 Division has assured the people of Ebonyi State that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that communal clashes do not escalate into something worse.
They are calling on community leaders and the youth to choose the path of peace rather than picking up arms against one another. Security is a collective responsibility, and the army needs the cooperation of the locals to identify the real troublemakers. Instead of sharing unverified videos, we should be supporting our troops with prayers and useful information.
Let us all play our part in making sure that our communities remain peaceful and that the “Renewed Hope” for a secure Nigeria becomes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
