The Anambra State Police Command, on Sunday, debunked reports circulating on social media that a fire incident along Udoji Road, Ozubulu, was the result of an attack by an armed group.
The police clarified that the inferno was caused by a fatal vehicle accident involving a petrol tanker.
Spokesman for the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said clarification became necessary to address the tension caused by misinformation spreading online.
The incident, which occurred late Friday along Udoji Road close to the Ekwusigo Local Government Area Secretariat, involved a petrol tanker that collided with a car and a tricycle, killing one person and destroying at least six shops.
“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to clarify that the fire incident recorded in Ekwusigo LGA was the result of a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a truck and other vehicles, and not an attack by any armed group, contrary to false information circulating on social media,” Ikenga said in a statement.
Ikenga provided details of the crash: “The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when a tanker truck loaded with PMS (fuel) collided with a Toyota Corolla car. The collision caused the tanker to burst into flames, resulting in the complete burning of both vehicles and some nearby shops.”
He added that the collision tragically claimed the life of one person. “Regrettably, a tricycle (Keke) within the area of impact was also engulfed by the fire, and the rider was fatally burned,” he added.
The Command condemned the spread of the false claims, emphasizing the panic it caused. “The command has since initiated an investigation to establish the identities of the drivers and take other necessary actions. However, the command strongly frowns at individuals and groups using this unfortunate incident to spread panic, fear, and tension in the State.”
According to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Orutugu, has ordered a probe into the social media publication to identify and unmask the handler responsible for spreading the fake and misleading report.
“The Anambra State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to ensuring accurate information flow, maintaining public safety, and preventing the spread of misinformation,” the statement concluded.