Following a video circulating on Facebook handles about a purported terror camp within Mbaise, the Imo State Police Command has condemned the action, saying it is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Facebook users, in some frenzy, had started sharing a video wherein the IPOB Intelligence Unit raised the alarm over the discovery of a terror camp with several unmarked graves and abandoned exotic cars.
The video claimed that the terror camp was located at the boundary between Umuosinta Amuzi Obowo and Iheteafor-ukwu in the Ahiazu Mbaise local government area of Imo state.
Police spokesperson for Imo state, DSP Henry Okoye, told Leadership that the video contained no truth, even though he maintained that it was a 2023 video intended to lure security operatives into an ambush.
Okoye called on people to ignore the video even as he maintained that it was a ploy by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network to mislead people deliberately.
He said, “The Imo State Police Command has noted the circulation of an old video, initially published in 2023, which is now being falsely presented as a recent development. This is a clear act of cheap blackmail and a desperate attempt by the proscribed IPOB/ESN to mislead the public with falsehoods.
“The video, which features an ESN terrorist camp, was part of their failed plan to lure security operatives into an ambush. However, security operatives have since identified and dislodged the camp, dismantling their criminal hideout and neutralising their threats.
“These terrorist elements, known for their violent crimes—including killings, kidnappings, and arson—are now resorting to misinformation to cover up their atrocities and deceive the public.
“The Imo State Police Command strongly condemns this baseless propaganda and urges the public to disregard these false narratives. IPOB/ESN remain enemies of peace and security, and their cowardly tactics will not succeed.
“Security agencies in Imo State remain resolute in their commitment to crushing all criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the state”, Okoye said.
In the trendy video, the IPOB Intelligence unit said they had uncovered a terror camp where there were several unmarked graves and abandoned exotic cars of murdered victims and called on security operatives to raid the place.
The text that accompanied the Facebook post read, “Security Alert! #IPOB intelligence unit just busted a kidnapping camp at the boundary between Umuosinta Amuzi Obowo and Iheteafor-ukwu ahazu Mbaise.
“Reports available have it that the criminals in charge of this particular criminal den are Pastor Steve, Fulani, Akalaonu and others; a lot of unmarked graves were discovered there, and many stolen vehicles are parked in the criminal camp.
“Reports have it that some of the car owners were killed and buried in that place while some who, after collecting ransom, were killed.
“These gangs of criminals operate from Igweocha. After their criminal operation in Imo state, they return to Igweocha to hide and will always return to continue their criminal activities in that Obowo axis.
“Therefore, the youths of these communities should take responsibility to protect their communities because two or three villagers are working with those criminals; yesterday, the criminals came and moved two cars from that criminal camp to sell”, the IPOB Intelligence post read.
Meanwhile, the video, which has enjoyed massive shares, had triggered panic among people who commented.
