The Kwara State Government has dismissed reports
claiming that nine local government areas (LGAs) in the state are under
bandits’ siege, describing them as “reckless and totally false.”
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for
Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government said no part of the
state is under siege, stressing that opposition elements are promoting fake
news to cause fear among residents.
“We have reasonable grounds to suspect that these
elements are the online promoters and equivalent of bandits as they help to
instill fear in the populace through fake news,” Olukoju said.
The statement specifically accused Labour Party
presidential candidate Peter Obi of amplifying the false report on his
social media platforms.
“We regretfully observe that Mr. Peter Obi has lent
his social media handles to spreading such fake news… We request Mr. Peter Obi
to bring down the post as it is totally false and inappropriate,” the
government added.
Obi had earlier raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing
insecurity, citing reports that nine of Kwara’s 16 LGAs — including
Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun —
were allegedly under the control of bandits demanding food and drinks as
ransom.
He described the situation as a “national
emergency”, lamenting that insecurity and daily killings have become
“normal occurrences” in Nigeria.
The Kwara government, however, insists that the state
remains safe and that such reports are false and politically motivated.
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