By Cajetan Mmuta
The Anambra state police command has refuted a report in social media that one Chief Olisa Igbonwa was buried alive by elders in the Alor community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state.

According to the report credited to one Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV, Chief Igbonwa was allegedly buried alive by the elders of Okebunoye village of Alor community, which is the country home of former Governor of the state and Minister of Labour Dr. Chris Ngige.

But police on Wednesday described the report as fake and misleading.

According to Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV, the elders met and decided to bury and mourn Mr. Igbonwa alive for taking the ‘Ichie Ngene’ title by himself in the community.

Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Ikenga Toochukwu in a statement on Wednesday said, “The attention of Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to a trending video clip and online publication credited to one Ifeoma Okeke of Umunna TV that one Chief Olisa Igbonwa was buried Alive In Alor, Anambra State by elders of Okebunoye village, Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra state” and that the elders met and took a decision to bury and mourn Mr. Igbonwa alive for taking ‘Ichie Ngene’ title by himself in the community.

He said, “The publication is not only false but also misleading.”

Ikenga said, “The Command wishes to state that Olisa Igbonwa is alive and was never buried alive as alleged in the publication.”

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He noted that “Consequently, the Command received a formal complaint from one chief Olisa Igbonwa that he received a chieftaincy title from HRM Igwe Alor but was threatened by one Mr. Uzoma Igbonwa and others to renounce the chieftaincy title within 30days or he will face dare consequences”

The PPRO added, “The Commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng has ordered for discreet investigation into the matter and to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident to bring perpetrators to book.

The Commissioner of police also urged members of the public especially the press to always cross-check their facts before publication in order not to mislead the public.

The command said the investigation is still ongoing and further details shall be communicated on the incident.