How Fake News Disrupted School Activities in Awka, Sends Residents Scampering for Safety

Rumours of the killing of some people in Awka the capital of Anambra State on Monday disrupted school activities, with most schools shutting down in fear.

The rumours first came that there have been shooting at the popular Eke Awka market, while some people had also been killed.

The rumour escalated, when some people started panicking after another version of the story had it that a principal of a popular government owned secondary school had been gunned down by rampaging gunmen.

As at 12pm, students of school in the state capital had been sent home by school managements, with most parents scampering to pick up their wards.

A parent, Mrs Uchechi Obi who spoke to THE RAZOR NEWS said: “I am hearing too many stories, some say there have been killings at Eke Awka, other version say unknown gunmen are in Amawbia, and had attacked a school, killing the principal.

“I don’t know which one is true, but to be on the safe side, I decided to go and bring back my child.”

As at 2pm, all schools in the state capital had officially closed, with pupils sent home.

Checks by our Correspondent however revealed that the rumour was triggered by gunshots said to have been fired by security operatives at Eke Awka, where they had gone to arrest a criminal, said to be involved a recent attack on police.

Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga when contacted said he was not aware of any gunmen attack in Awka.

“I’m not aware of it. I have heard the rumours too, but there is nothing like that to my notice now. I will let you know if we get such information.”

Ikenga however confirmed that police operatives had shot at Eke Awka while trying to arrest a suspect who was said to have participated in a recent attack on police patrol team.