The Governor of Kwara State has stated that no council in the state is currently besieged by bandits.
It stated that opposing assertions were both irresponsible and completely untrue.
No local government area in the state is under siege. The unfortunate challenges we’ve faced in a few regions do not justify the malicious exaggerations and fake news being spread by opposition elements both within and outside the state.
“We have valid reasons to believe that these individuals act as online promoters and the digital equivalent of bandits, spreading fear among the public through misinformation. This includes baseless claims like nine local government areas being under siege or reports of gunmen moving in parts of Asa LGA,” stated Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications.
The state government also alleged that Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, was disseminating false information regarding the state’s security situation.
We unfortunately note that Mr. Peter Obi has used his social media platforms to disseminate false information.
“We did not anticipate this from him as a statesman. We urge Mr. Peter Obi to remove the post, as it is completely false and inappropriate,” the statement continued.
The government’s statement came in response to a post by Obi regarding the country’s insecurity issues.
The former governor of Anambra stated, “Reports from neighboring Kwara State indicate that bandits have besieged nine out of the 16 local government areas there and are now demanding food and drinks as ransom.”
The nine local governments involved in the bandit control are Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi and Irepodun.
“The security situation has escalated to a national emergency. It’s deeply concerning that insecurity has become commonplace in our country, with daily death tolls surpassing those of war-torn nations. This is far from normal,” he added.
