Police: No kidnap of child during church service in Anambra, warn fake news peddlers
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
Police in Anambra State have denied reports claiming that a child was kidnapped during mass in one of the Catholic churches in the State.
This was contained in a statement released by the spokesman of the Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu Anthony.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Echeng Eworo Echeng, called on Journalists to always bring to bear the practice of ethical investigative journalism especially in building social peace and enhancing public safety.
According to the statement, an online news platform published a report claiming that an 11-Year-Old Boy was Kidnapped during Mass In Anambra and a facebook user called Anambra Connect also claiming that St Anthony Catholic Church in Awka was on fire.
The police boss maintained that the incidents were not reported to the police and that judging from the publications, the circumstances surrounding the rescue of the kidnapped boy was misgiving and how the said fire was put off without recourse to the appropriate agency was also dubious.
He explained that a visit to the church premises revealed that no fire of any sort occurred and the church buildings were intact, adding that it was obvious that the intention of the publisher was to incite tension and discredit the peace being enjoyed in the state.
The CP, however, assured citizens especially Ndi Anambra that the confidence reposed in the police and other security agencies shall not be taken for granted especially in providing security services.
He therefore encouraged them not to live in fear of any threat but always trust police would handle their problems.
He further warned originators and peddlers of mischievous cum sensational publications to desist forthwith, as they would not be spared if caught.
