The Kwara State government has denied claims that bandits have taken control of nine of the state’s sixteen local government areas.
The clarification was made in a statement on Monday by the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, who noted that the claims of bandit takeover are reckless and false.
She added that no local government area in the state is under the control of bandits and terrorists, noting that fake reports about the security situation in Kwara are being sponsored by opposition elements.
Naijaonpoint reports that the denial comes days after the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a statement via his 𝕏 account, lamented the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria and claimed, particularly, that bandits have taken over nine of the sixteen local government areas in Kwara State.
Reacting to Obi’s statement, the Commissioner accused the former Anambra State Governor of using his social media handles to spread fake news and requested that he remove ..., as it is entirely false.
The statement reads, “We wish to alert the public to some reckless claims that nine local government areas of Kwara State are under siege by the bandits. This is totally false. No local government area is under siege in the state.
“The unfortunate challenges we have had in a few areas do not warrant the wicked escalation and fake news which are being promoted by opposition elements in and outside of the state.
“We have reasonable grounds to suspect that these elements are the online promoters and equivalence of bandits as they help to instill fear in the populace through fake news such as the unfounded claim of nine LGAs being under siege and movement of gunmen in parts of Asa LGA.
“We regretfully observe that Mr. Peter Obi has lent his social media handles to spreading such fake news. This is not expected from him as a statesman. We request Mr. Peter Obi to bring down ... as it is totally false and inappropriate.
“We also urge members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information, which may cause panic, confusion, and psychological trauma to the people.
“This irresponsible behaviour is making things harder for the security forces who already have enough on their plates.”
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