The Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has dismissed as false claims circulating online that its Spiritual Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, was attacked by gunmen during the commissioning of a free hospital in Aguleri, Anambra State.

In a statement issued in Lagos by Evangelist Obi’s Media Adviser, Dan Aibangbe, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Sunday, the Ministry described the video, published on a YouTube channel, as “nothing less than a wicked fabrication with wild imaginations that could only serve to instill fear in the unwary and discourage massive attendance in its upcoming prayer crusade.”

He said the AI-generated video “negates the excellent work of the security teams that ensured the smooth and incident-free success of the entire programme of events, which was attended by a wide retinue of government officials, dignitaries and a massive crowd of supporters, which left no room for the Hollywood type of attack described in the AI-generated video.”

Aibangbe confirmed that Obi and his entourage left the venue safely, “Contrary to the fabricated claims, the commissioning ceremony in Aguleri was a resounding success, with no reported disturbances.

“The Evangelist and his entire entourage peacefully departed the venue around 4 p.m. and travelled safely to Owerri, Imo State, arriving without any incident. This is completely contrary to the 8pm Anambra attack reported in the fake video.”

He suggested that the video could be a ploy to generate traffic or a deliberate attempt to sow fear and uncertainty among the faithful, particularly those travelling from the diaspora for the upcoming prayer crusade.

He therefore urged worshippers to “disregard the video and attend the crusade without hesitation, assuring them of their safety and a spiritually uplifting experience.

“The enemy traditionally adopts fear and rumours as weapons of warfare!”

On security, Aibangbe said, “Imo State (particularly Ngor-Okpala, the venue of the upcoming crusade) is a safe haven for worshippers and visitors alike and Security arrangements in and around the theatre of the crusade is planned to be top-notch in safety, crowd control, as well as personal protection for all comers.

“As such, enemies of the Church spreading falsehoods are already defeated and will be put to shame by the power of God.”

The ministry also advised the public to verify information from credible sources, refrain from sharing unverified content, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Aibangbe confirmed that the video “has been flagged for appropriate sanctions by YouTube as we write.” (The PUNCH)