The Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday dismissed as false an online publication (not byNews Express) that “suspected Umuleri boys invaded St Peter’s church, Otoucha Aguleri early in the morning and slew a lot of worshippers with machetes.”

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Haruna Mohammed, described the report as not only false but mischievous adding that it was probably orchestrated by mischief makers who want to truncate the relative peace in the area and instigate communal crisis between the two neighbouring communities.

The statement reads in part: “For the avoidance of doubt, there was attempted robbery at the early hours of July 02, 2019 at residential quarters near St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Otoucha which was foiled and the Command has launched aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice.

“Consequently, there is nothing to show that the incident is communal as no fact so far associated it with any community.

“Persons circulating this inciting publication are warned to desist forthwith as any one apprehended will face the full wrath of the law.”

The Command further assured the citizens of adequate protection and urged them to disregard the false alarm and go about their legitimate business.