‘Reckless, totally false’ – Kwara Govt denies Obi’s claims, says no LGA under siege
Kwara State government has denied claims made by former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi that bandits have taken control of nine out of sixteen local government areas in the state.
It was learnt that Obi, in a statement via his X account over the weekend, lamented the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria and claimed, particularly, that bandits have taken over some local government areas in Kwara State.
Reacting to his report in a statement on Monday by the State’s Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, who noted that the the former governor of Anambra State, claiming that unknown gunmen has takeover is reckless and false.
She also accused Obi of spreading inaccurate information about the security situation in the state.
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 the post 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.”
