The Igbo community in a statement issued by Joseph Eze, on Monday advised Igbos in Canada and beyond to desist from any form of inflammatory comments and interactions that could escalate the matter as the Canadian authorities had taken over the case and investigation was going on.
The Igbo community in Canada has warned against circulation of false updates on the case of the Nigerian woman living in Ontario, Canada, Amaka Patience Sunnberger’s alleged threats and call for mass poisoning of Yoruba and Benin people.
The Igbo community in a statement issued by Joseph Eze, on Monday advised Igbos in Canada and beyond to desist from any form of inflammatory comments and interactions that could escalate the matter as the Canadian authorities had taken over the case and investigation was going on.
Eze in the statement also confirmed that Sunnberger was arrested by the Toronto Police Service on Sunday for questioning but was also released the same day while the case was already in court.
The statement read, “The Igbo Community in Ontario has been closely monitoring the development surrounding the allegations of threats made by a Toronto-based woman against specific members of the Nigerian community.
“The woman in question, Amaka Sunnberger was arrested yesterday (Sunday) and charged by the Toronto Police Service.
“She was also released yesterday. The case is now in the hands of the authorities and we have been advised to refrain from making any public comments while the investigation is ongoing.
“The Igbo union is in touch with Amaka and has heard her side of the story. We are aware that misinformation and false updates are circulating through various media channels.
“The Igbo union will provide reliable updates as the situation unfolds. We have always maintained a peaceful relationship with all groups within the Nigerian community in Ontario.
“Additionally, we are in contact with relevant parties involved in this case and have advised members of our community to remain calm and avoid any interactions that could escalate the situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed with any significant developments.”
SaharaReporters had reported that the Canadian police arrested Sunnberger on Sunday for threatening to poison Yoruba and Benin people in a viral video.
Her arrest was announced in a press statement issued by the Toronto Police on their website, revealing that the suspect will be arraigned in court on Monday.
Recall that in the viral video, Sunnberger, who was noted as living in Ontario, Canada, said she would begin to poison the food and water of Nigerians immediately after she got to her place of work.
Hours after the threat went viral, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, petitioned Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, regarding the threat to kill Yoruba and Benin people.
Speaking in Pidgin language, Amaka Sunnberger said, “Record me very very well. It is time to start poisoning the Yorubas and the Benins. Put poison in all your foods at work. Put poison in all your water so that you all will start dying one by one.
“You people will not die one day. You people will fall sick for a long time. I will put Otapiapia (rat poison) inside your waters and foods. You people will never get well.
“This kind of hatred I have for you people will last forever. In all your foods, I will put Otapiapia,” as others at the meeting reminded her of other poisons including Eat and Die, Sniper."
“I will put them in all your foods. If I go to work tomorrow, I will put it (poison) in Yoruba people's food. Go and tell the government that I’m in Canada, I’m in Ontario. Hurry up, go fast,” she added.
Announcing her arrest, the Canadian Police said, “This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.”