Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, has denied issuing any warning to northern youths over the killing of hunters in Edo state.

Many WhatsApp users had earlier circulated the claim that the traditional ruler warned northerners against any reprisal attacks on Igbos following the killing of 16 hunters in the state.

The claim reads, “Breaking News: The Obi of Onitsha has issued a warning to Northern youths regarding a planned attack on the Igbo community following the recent Edo incident.

“He stated that if any harm comes to the Edo people in the North or to the Igbo residing there—simply because Edo locals defended themselves by eliminating 16 Fulani terrorists who had been terrorizing their people—the Igbo will ensure that no Northerner returns home safely.

“He emphasized that no Igbo person lives in the bushes of Northern states; they rent houses and live like the average Northerner. They do not roam the forests armed like criminals in private areas. “If you play a reckless game, you get a reckless result,” he warned.

But in a statement on Thursday by Osita Anionwu, his chief of staff, said the monarch has not made any statement in respect to the incident in Edo state.

Achebe, who described the claim as “inaccurate” and “inflammatory”, urged the public to disregard the report.

“The Palace of the Obi of Onitsha wishes to inform the general public that His Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), has made no statement regarding the recent killing of northerners in Edo state,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, he has issued no warnings to anyone on the matter. This is another instance in a growing pattern of attributing fake statements to His Majesty, with the aim of stirring disaffection.

“The statement attributed to him is not only inaccurate but also inflammatory. We urge the public to disregard the fabricated statement and instead focus on promoting unity and understanding.

“As a champion of peace and harmony among all Nigerians, His Majesty remains committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation among people of different ethnic and regional backgrounds. Let us work together to build bridges, not walls