The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State has officially debunked circulating social media reports claiming the brutal murder of its chairman, Reverend Joel Danjuma Manzo. The viral posts alleged that terrorists had beheaded the religious leader, sparking widespread concern across the state.
Clergyman Personally Confirms Safety
In a powerful statement personally signed by Reverend Manzo in Yola and distributed to journalists on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the cleric confirmed he is alive, safe, and actively continuing his duties without any threat or intimidation. He described the false reports as a deliberate attempt by what he called "agents of the underworld" to spread fear and create confusion among the populace.
"The general public should therefore disregard such fake information thus, the state CAN Chairman is in good health and busy going about his official engagement in the state without any threat, fear or intimidation," Manzo stated emphatically.
Call for Investigation Into Fake News Source
The Christian leader has called upon security agencies in Adamawa State to launch an immediate investigation into the origin of the malicious false report and prosecute those responsible for creating and spreading the misinformation. He emphasized that such dangerous fabrications pose a serious threat to the peace and unity of both Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
Reverend Manzo further characterized the spread of the fake news as a direct affront to the efforts of the state government in promoting lasting peace and protecting lives and property of citizens. The incident highlights growing concerns about the impact of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly in regions facing security challenges.
Broader Context of Misinformation in Nigeria
This incident occurs amid increasing cases of false information circulating on Nigerian social media. The statement from Adamawa CAN comes shortly after the Nigerian Presidency had to dismiss another viral video that falsely claimed the United States Army had officially landed on Bonny Island in Rivers State.
The pattern of misinformation has become a significant concern for authorities and community leaders alike, with religious figures increasingly becoming targets of false reporting that could potentially incite violence or create unnecessary panic among vulnerable populations.
