The Kwara State Government has denied reports that nine local government areas in the state were under siege by bandits, describing the claims as “reckless” and “totally false”.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said in a statement that there is, “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 that 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 equivalent 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”, he added
The state government accused certain individuals, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, of spreading false information.
The statement said that state government requested Obi to take down his post and urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information.
While acknowledging isolated security incidents, the government assures residents that peace prevails across the state .
The government emphasised that such “irresponsible behavior” makes things harder for security forces and urges residents to verify information before sharing it.
