BY BETI ONU
The Anambra State Police Command has invited an activist, Mr Harrison Gwamnishu, to provide clarification concerning a viral social media post in which he alleged that five individuals went missing while transiting through the state.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police expressed concern over the serious nature of the claim, which has generated public anxiety and cast aspersions on the state’s security environment.
According to the statement, Mr Gwamnishu had alleged via a social media post that five travellers, who were in search of accommodation while passing through Anambra, had mysteriously disappeared.
The Command acknowledged the gravity of such an incident but stated that since the publication, no relative, acquaintance, or concerned individual has come forward to report the matter or assist with identifying the supposed victims.
The Police further noted that the identities of the alleged missing persons remain unknown and that Mr Gwamnishu has not provided any verifiable information to substantiate his claims.
In response to the report, the Command had on May 22, 2025, issued an earlier statement, appealing to members of the public and potential relatives of the alleged victims to approach the Command headquarters to enable an appropriate investigation. However, no one has since turned up.
Mr Gwamnishu reportedly acknowledged the police invitation via a comment on the Command’s official Facebook page, stating, “Thank you. They are strangers, and the family are on their way to the East. They will report today so your office can assist.”
Despite this assurance, the Police said neither he nor any relatives of the supposed victims have made any further contact.
The Command expressed disappointment that all attempts to reach Mr Gwamnishu have been unsuccessful and lamented that the failure to follow through on such a sensitive matter has further fuelled public confusion and subjected security agencies to undue criticism.
Nevertheless, the Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured the public that it would continue to enhance its security strategies.
It also reaffirmed its openness to working with the public and again urged Mr Gwamnishu to present himself and supply the necessary information to aid proper investigation.
