By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed circulating rumours suggesting that the fire incident near the Ekwusigo Local Government Headquarters was the result of an armed attack.
This clarification was contained in an official press release issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who explained that preliminary findings point solely to a fatal vehicle accident, and emphasized that the incident had no link whatsoever to gunmen or any armed group.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when a fuel-laden tanker collided with a Toyota Corolla along the busy Udoji axis of Ekwusigo. The impact, the Command noted, caused the tanker to erupt into flames, destroying both vehicles and extending to some roadside shops before emergency responders brought the situation under control.
The PPRO further reported that a tricycle (keke) caught within the perimeter of the explosion was also consumed by the fire, leading to the tragic death of its rider. While investigations are ongoing to identify the drivers involved and determine further details surrounding the collision, the police maintained that everything so far points to an accident, not an attack.
SP Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a thorough investigation into misleading social media reports suggesting the fire was caused by gunmen. The CP, according to the statement, has directed that the originators of the false alarms be identified and held accountable for attempts to incite panic in the state.
The Police Command urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and rely on official channels for updates. It also reassured residents of ongoing measures to maintain public safety, prevent misinformation, and ensure accurate communication on incidents across the state.
