By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning to social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, cautioning him against making inflammatory statements or taking actions that could threaten public peace in the state.
This is coming in the wake of heightened social media commentary and calls for public gatherings in honour of the late Ifesinachi Onyekere, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet outlet, who was recently kidnapped and gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, and whose death has continued to generate reactions among Nigerian youth, especially on digital platforms.
The unfortunate incident has also attracted condemnation from good-spirited individuals and netizens, including VeryDarkMan, who publicly mourned his demise and announced plans to organize a candlelight procession for him in Awka, Anambra State capital on Tuesday, starting at 3.pm.
However, in a press release issued to news on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, the Command warned that no individual, regardless of social standing or online influence, will be allowed to disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
The Police clarified that the family of the deceased has publicly dissociated itself from any such procession, stressing their desire to mourn in private and allow law enforcement authorities to carry out their investigations.
“The CP emphasizes that Anambra remains one of the most peaceful states in the region, thanks to the sustained efforts of the police and other security agencies, in collaboration with critical stakeholders,” the statement partly reads
The Police Commissioner, therefore, warned that attempts to incite public unrest — whether through social media or public gatherings — would not be tolerated. He added that the police are on high alert and would take appropriate legal action against anyone or group found fomenting trouble under any guise.
He further called on residents and visitors to continue their normal activities without fear, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to maintain law and order across the state.
The statement also advised public figures, especially social media influencers, to be cautious in their utterances and avoid spreading misinformation or unverified claims capable of sparking tension or misleading the public.
While the identity of those behind the push for the candlelight procession remains unknown, this reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that groups of youths have already gathered in parts of Awka, particularly the Aroma Junction and the Alex Ekwueme Square axis, for the proposed procession in honour of the late Mr. Onyekere. There is also heavy presence of police and other security agencies in the areas.
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