What started like a joke earlier today suddenly spread like a wildfire across Anambra state when it was reported that 3 pupils died after they were forcefully injected with a substance by some people dressed like soldiers at unknown school.
It was earlier reported that the incident happened at Etiaba memorial grammar school but when our correspondent got to the alleged scene, nothing like that was happening but some soldiers were seen parading the area.
In a quick reaction, the Anambra state government said it’s an on going medical outreach being undertaken by the Army and advised the military for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits.
“The attention of the State Government has been drawn to an on going medical outreach being undertaken by the Army in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
“The State has been made to understand that the exercise is part of Army social responsibility to members of the public.
“However, strong apprehension among the populace has followed the exercise leading to a withdrawal of students from schools by parents, misconception of the actual motive behind the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders and a general reservation by the public for whom the outreach is intended.
“To this end and to ensure no further escalation of the situation, His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has contacted the Army Authorities and advised for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits. The exercise has therefore been put on hold.
“Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled. All schools within the State will remain open as there is no cause for alarm! Community leaders, Presidents General and all Stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the Governor and the State Government to the wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.
“The State Government also strongly condemns observed rhetorics on social media completely misrepresenting the situation with insinuations of spread of diseases and death of students in schools arising from the exercise. The State categorically refutes these rhetorics and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the State. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful!”
