Kwara State Government has dismissed what it described as reckless claims insinuating that nine local government areas are under siege by armed bandits.
“This is totally false. No local government area is under siege in the state,” the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, declared in a statement in Ilorin on Monday.
According to her, “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 local government area.
“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 the post as it is totally false and inappropriate,” the Commissioner added.
She also urged 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,” Bolanle further cautioned.
