The Adamawa State Police Command and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have dismissed a viral social media report alleging that the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Joel Manzo, was beheaded by terrorists, describing it as false, inciting, and malicious
Details: Police, CAN Dismiss Viral Report Claiming Adamawa CAN Chairman Was Beheaded
The Adamawa State Police Command and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have dismissed as false and inciting a viral social media post alleging that the Adamawa CAN Chairman, Rev. Joel Manzo, was beheaded by terrorists.
Both the Police and CAN confirmed on Saturday morning that Rev. Manzo is alive, safe, and free, urging the public to ignore the fake report circulating online.
The Police Command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, described the viral Facebook post as “totally false, devilish, and inciting.”
“The Command wishes to categorically refute this malicious claim in its entirety. There is no such incident recorded anywhere in Adamawa State,” the statement read.
Nguroje said the report, posted by a Facebook user identified as Lionman Lioni, was a deliberate attempt to cause panic and religious disaffection among residents.
He added that the Police had launched an investigation to track down and prosecute the individuals behind the false post.
“The Command will not tolerate attempts to incite violence through the misuse of social media,” Nguroje stressed.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Moris, also appealed to the public to desist from spreading unverified information capable of undermining peace and stability in the state.
CAN Confirms Chairman Is Alive
In a separate statement, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa Chapter, confirmed that Rev. Joel Manzo is alive and carrying out his official duties.
“I am safe and alive,” Rev. Manzo was quoted as saying in the statement.
CAN described the fake social media report as the work of “agents of the underworld” bent on smearing the image of the government and security agencies while causing unnecessary panic in the country.
“The state CAN Chairman is in good health and busy with his official engagements without any threat, fear, or intimidation,” the association stated.
Background
The viral Facebook post emerged amid renewed religious tension across Nigeria, following reports of international reactions to alleged persecution of Christians — including a claim attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action against Nigeria.
The Adamawa Police Command urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious information or activities to law enforcement agencies. Read More
