The leadership of Akwaihedi Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State has firmly dissociated itself from what it described as “malicious and misleading narratives” surrounding a viral security-related video currently circulating on social media.
In a statement signed by the President General of the community, Hon. (Barr.) Oliver Mbagwu, Akwaihedi condemned ongoing attempts by certain individuals to twist the facts and portray the peaceful community in a negative light.
According to Mbagwu, “the individual seen in the trending video is not a resident, representative, or member of Akwaihedi Community.” He clarified that the man in the footage is one of the criminal elements earlier arrested by soldiers operating around the Orsumuoghu axis, who allegedly misled security operatives into Akwaihedi under the false pretense of taking them to his gang’s hideout.
Mbagwu explained that the suspect had been apprehended during an operation targeting criminal hideouts. However, while being processed, “the suspect attempted to escape before he was fully demobilized, leading to the situation captured in the video,” he said.
The PG expressed deep concern over efforts by some individuals to link the suspect’s behaviour to the community itself, describing such attempts as “malicious, unacceptable, and dangerous.”
He stressed that Akwaihedi has consistently supported law-abiding security operations and has a long-standing record of cooperating with security agencies to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
“Akwaihedi has always worked hand-in-glove with legitimate security agencies. We will not allow anyone to distort facts or drag the community’s good name into criminal acts we know nothing about,” Mbagwu stated.
The community urged the public, media organisations, and social media users to disregard the false claims being circulated, reaffirming that Akwaihedi is not occupied by insurgents and remains peaceful.
Mbagwu further warned individuals peddling the misleading narrative to desist or face possible legal and civic action aimed at defending the community’s integrity.
“We will not tolerate attempts to tarnish our image. If these falsehoods persist, Akwaihedi Community will take all lawful steps necessary to protect its reputation,” he added.
