Adamawa CAN fights fake news about its Chairman’s alleged beheading, urging Nigerians to ignore false reports and support peace, unity, and truth.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State has issued a strong rebuttal to a disturbing social media report alleging that its Chairman, Rev. Joel Danjuma Manzo, was beheaded.
The association condemned the publication as Fake News, describing it as malicious, baseless, and capable of sparking unnecessary tension within the state and beyond.
In a statement personally signed by Rev. Manzo and made available to journalists in Yola on Saturday, he described the story as an intentional act of misinformation by those bent on destabilizing the peace of the society.
According to him, the report was pure Fake News spread by individuals he called “agents of the underworld,” who aim to discredit the efforts of the government and security agencies in maintaining stability across Adamawa.
Rev. Manzo stated clearly that he is alive, healthy, and actively engaged in his duties as the state CAN Chairman. He noted that there was no truth in the claims of his alleged beheading and urged the general public to disregard the viral Fake News.
“I am alive and well, and the public should ignore this baseless report. The intention is to cause fear, confusion, and panic,” he said.
He emphasized that such Fake News stories are not just personal attacks but also threats to the collective peace and unity of Nigeria.
The cleric encouraged citizens to verify all information before believing or sharing it, warning that falsehoods spread online can easily escalate tensions in a fragile society.
Rev. Manzo urged the security agencies in Adamawa to investigate the origin of the fabricated story and prosecute those responsible.
He said spreading Fake News should not be treated as a minor offense because it endangers public peace, tarnishes reputations, and can provoke social unrest.
“The act of those behind the rumor is both criminal and irresponsible. It’s an attempt to derail the peace-building efforts of the government and security operatives. They must be identified and punished according to the law,” he declared.
The CAN Chairman lamented that the unchecked spread of misinformation through social media has become one of the biggest threats to peace and national cohesion.
He cautioned that platforms intended for communication and enlightenment are increasingly being misused to spread lies.
“Social media can unite people, but when used irresponsibly, it becomes a weapon of destruction. Fake News can destroy lives, communities, and even nations,” he warned.
He also appealed to religious leaders, journalists, and online influencers to embrace truth and professionalism in their communication.
According to him, spreading falsehood not only damages reputations but also undermines trust in religious and political institutions.
Following Rev. Manzo’s clarification, several Christian leaders and organizations across Adamawa expressed solidarity with him, condemning the false report.
Many described the Fake News as an evil attempt to cause religious tension and disrupt harmony. One senior cleric noted that the swift response from Rev. Manzo and CAN leadership helped prevent panic within the Christian community.
Community leaders and civil society groups in Yola have also joined in calling for stronger regulation of online content.
They advocated stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, emphasizing that individuals who generate or circulate Fake News should face appropriate legal penalties.
“False information spreads faster than truth, and without accountability, it will continue to threaten public order,” one group stated.
Residents of Yola expressed relief after confirming that the CAN Chairman was alive and unharmed. Many took to social media to denounce the spreaders of the Fake News and urged others to be more discerning in what they read and share online.
A local youth leader remarked, “This experience should teach us that not everything we see online is true. We must verify before reacting.”
Rev. Manzo’s firm response has reignited the national conversation about ethical media practices and information control.
He emphasized that the responsibility to combat Fake News is shared among government agencies, media practitioners, and the public.
“The fight against misinformation is not just about laws; it is about values—truth, integrity, and responsibility,” he said.
He commended the Adamawa State Government and security operatives for their continuous efforts to maintain peace and protect citizens. He reassured the public of CAN’s commitment to promoting unity, interfaith understanding, and national cohesion.
The Adamawa CAN’s decisive stance against Fake News reflects a growing awareness of the dangers misinformation poses in today’s digital society.
Rev. Joel Danjuma Manzo’s quick and transparent communication not only dispelled fear but also highlighted the urgent need for Nigerians to be vigilant against falsehoods.
By challenging the spread of Fake News, Rev. Manzo turned a potentially divisive situation into a lesson in truth, unity, and resilience. His leadership stands as a reminder that responsible information sharing is critical to maintaining peace, especially in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
