Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Igbo youth leaders have strongly condemned what they describe as a fabricated and inflammatory statement falsely attributed to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, warning that such misinformation poses a grave threat to public order and ethnic harmony in Nigeria. The disputed statement, which circulated widely across social media platforms over the weekend, purportedly quoted Mbata as urging Igbo men aged 18 and above to arm themselves in anticipation of an imminent conflict.
The viral message claimed that the Ohanaeze leader had declared, “Every Igbo man from 18 years up must get a gun, stack weapons. Igboland is under terrorist siege and must be defended. A war is coming in days.” The statement quickly generated alarm, drawing reactions from across the country amid heightened sensitivities over security challenges and inter-ethnic tensions.
In a formal response issued on Sunday, the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly dismissed the alleged remarks as entirely fictitious. The statement, signed by the group’s leader, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, characterized the report as “mischievous, clueless and malicious propaganda” designed to incite fear and destabilize the South-East region. The youth body maintained that no such declaration had been made by Senator Mbata and accused unnamed actors of deliberately attempting to sow discord.
Okpalaezeukwu warned that the dissemination of fabricated security-related statements could have dangerous consequences, particularly in a country already grappling with insurgency, banditry and communal conflicts. He argued that attributing a call to arms to a prominent socio-cultural leader was not only irresponsible but capable of provoking panic and retaliatory rhetoric. According to him, those behind the report may be seeking to portray the Igbo socio-political leadership as confrontational, thereby undermining ongoing efforts at dialogue and national cohesion.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as the apex socio-cultural organization representing Igbo interests, has historically positioned itself as an advocate for equity, federal restructuring and peaceful engagement within Nigeria’s democratic framework. While the group has consistently raised concerns over insecurity in the South-East and other parts of the country, it has not formally endorsed violence or armed mobilization as a strategy. Youth leaders aligned with the organization stressed that any suggestion of organized militarization contradicts its publicly stated principles.
The controversy emerges at a time when misinformation and digitally manipulated content have become increasingly pervasive in Nigeria’s information ecosystem. Security analysts note that false attributions to influential figures can spread rapidly across messaging applications and social media channels, often outpacing official clarifications. In volatile environments, such claims may inflame existing grievances or trigger defensive posturing among communities who perceive themselves as targeted.
Observers say the alleged quote bore hallmarks of incitement, including explicit references to weapon acquisition and predictions of imminent war. Such language, if genuine, would likely have attracted immediate scrutiny from security agencies. However, no official communication from Ohanaeze Ndigbo or Senator Mbata corroborated the remarks. Youth leaders argued that the absence of verification from credible channels should have prompted caution before further dissemination.
The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly called on law enforcement and cybercrime authorities to investigate the origin of the statement and identify those responsible for its circulation. Okpalaezeukwu emphasized that freedom of expression does not extend to the deliberate fabrication of statements that could jeopardize national security. He further urged media practitioners and online influencers to adhere strictly to verification standards before amplifying sensitive content.
Beyond condemning the report, the youth body appealed for restraint among young people in the South-East, advising them not to react to unverified narratives that could escalate tensions. According to the statement, constructive civic engagement, economic development and political participation remain the appropriate channels for addressing grievances. The group reiterated that while concerns about insecurity are legitimate, responses must be grounded in law and constitutional processes.
Political commentators suggest that the incident reflects broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s multi-ethnic democracy, where mistrust and polarized discourse can magnify the impact of false information. In recent years, several high-profile individuals have been compelled to publicly deny statements attributed to them online. Experts argue that the phenomenon underscores the need for digital literacy campaigns and stronger accountability mechanisms within social media ecosystems.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no independent evidence substantiating the alleged call to arms. The clarification issued by Igbo youth leaders appears aimed at preventing the narrative from gaining further traction and at reassuring both regional and national audiences that no mobilization directive has been issued by recognized Igbo leadership structures. Security agencies have not publicly commented on the matter, though analysts expect that such claims would be monitored closely.
The episode highlights the fragility of public trust in an era where information circulates with unprecedented speed. For communities already navigating complex security dynamics, even a brief surge of misinformation can generate anxiety and deepen suspicion. By denouncing the statement and calling for accountability, Igbo youth leaders appear intent on containing potential fallout and reaffirming commitment to lawful and peaceful advocacy.
Whether authorities will trace the source of the viral message remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the rapid spread of the fabricated quote has once again exposed the vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s digital public sphere. As political actors, civic organizations and citizens alike confront these challenges, the imperative of verification, restraint and responsible communication continues to grow more urgent.
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