The Kwara State Government has strongly refuted claims that bandits have taken over nine of the 16 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, labeling the reports as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ibraheem Abdullateef, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Communication, emphasized that no part of Kwara has fallen under bandit control. He described the viral social media reports as misleading and politically biased.
“The claim that nine out of the 16 LGAs in Kwara are under the control of bandits is absolutely false. No single LGA has been taken. The Kwara State Police Command has already refuted this claim, and no security agency has submitted such a report,” Abdullateef clarified.
Abdullateef acknowledged that while there have been isolated security breaches, particularly in the northern regions, these incidents have been exaggerated for political reasons.
“While security challenges have been reported in a few communities, Kwara remains the safest and most peaceful state in North Central Nigeria. The report is a fabrication,” he asserted.
He further accused members of the opposition, specifically the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara PDP, Olusegun Adewara, and several bloggers, of deliberately spreading misinformation to cause unnecessary panic and gain political advantage.
“Security is a sensitive issue and should never be politicized. We urge the PDP and its spokesperson to refrain from spreading falsehoods that could undermine public confidence,” Abdullateef urged.
The statement concluded with a reassurance from the state government that steps are being taken to strengthen security in vulnerable areas. Abdullateef reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and preventing Kwara from becoming a safe haven for criminal elements.
“Kwara remains secure. We are fully committed to protecting lives and property, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure peace in the state,” he affirmed.
This statement follows increasing concerns over recent attacks in the Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi LGAs, where abductions and killings have been reported. Despite these incidents, Kwara continues to maintain a relatively peaceful environment compared to its neighboring states, such as Kogi and Niger, where banditry is more prevalent.
In a related development, the Kebbi State Police Command also dismissed claims that nine LGAs in Kebbi had become ungovernable due to insecurity. The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, clarified that an abduction which had been attributed to Kebbi occurred in Niger State, outside the jurisdiction of Kebbi.
“We are aware of the claim made by the state branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the alleged abduction of lawyer Isiaku Danjuma. However, this incident occurred in Ibeto, Niger State, not in Kebbi,” the statement read.
The Kebbi Police further criticized the NBA for spreading unverified information and warned against actions that could incite fear and destabilize public confidence. The Kebbi Police Commissioner, Bello M. Sani, reassured the public that Kebbi remains safe and urged residents to continue with their daily activities without fear.
In conclusion, both the Kwara and Kebbi State Governments have called for a collective effort to combat misinformation and ensure that security operations continue without hindrance.
