Nkwanta South Residents Urge REGSEC to Act Against Misinformation Fueling Ethnic Tensions

Residents of Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region have called on the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to take firm action against individuals who spread misinformation and disinformation capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.

The call follows a petition by representatives of the Ayele ethnic group to the Regional Police Command and Regional Coordinating Council, alleging that members of the Akyode tribe were planning to disrupt the coronation of the Paramount Chief of the Ayele Traditional Council on November 7, 2026.

However, residents and community leaders have dismissed the allegations as false and unsubstantiated, insisting that the Akyode people are peaceful and law-abiding citizens committed to maintaining harmony in the municipality.

The residents questioned why REGSEC had not investigated or sanctioned those responsible for making the claims, arguing that unchecked misinformation can threaten social cohesion and complicate security operations.

They cited a July 29, 2026 REGSEC statement, signed by the Oti Regional Minister and REGSEC Chairman, which warned that individuals spreading false ethnicity-related alarms to create fear and panic would be arrested.

According to the residents, the same standard should be applied in the current case to deter the spread of unverified information and preserve peace in the municipality.