On Monday night, suspected arsonists set ablaze the residence of former Senator Frank Ibezim in Ezeoke-Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, they also targeted and destroyed parts of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Study Center located in the area.
The attacks followed the circulation of a viral video claiming that the Federal Government planned to use the NOUN facility as a rehabilitation center for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
This claim emerged after a recent visit to the center by Tijani Mohammed, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, who had spoken about a forthcoming training program for vulnerable individuals. The visit, which also involved Senator Ibezim, sparked concerns among local residents.
A source from the community, who spoke anonymously, suggested that the false report in the viral video may have incited the attack. “People were upset by the suggestion that insurgents might be trained at the facility, especially since there are no Internally Displaced Persons in our state,” the source said.
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A local leader also expressed sorrow over the destruction of the NOUN center, which had served the community by providing educational opportunities.
“The facility housed Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School, including its boarding section. Now, our community has lost both the school and the NOUN center,” the leader lamented.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, issued a statement on Tuesday, quoting the commissioner, who confirmed that a Tactical Unit had been deployed to track down those responsible.
The police commissioner further urged the public to refrain from sharing false or inflammatory information that could destabilize peace in the area, warning that individuals found guilty of spreading misinformation would face legal consequences.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has also been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the arson.
Security agencies are now working to ensure the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice, with a strong focus on maintaining peace in the state.
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