Kwara Govt denies Obi’s claims, says no LGA under siege

Kwara State Government has dismissed claims by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, that some local governments are under siege by bandits, saying it is “reckless, totally false.”

The State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, made this rebuttal in a statement, describing the claims as reckless and totally untrue.

“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,” Olukoju said.

The state government accused Obi of spreading inaccurate information about the security situation in the state.

“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,” it added.

The government’s statement followed a post by Obi over the state of insecurity in Nigeria.

“This comes as reports from neighbouring Kwara state say that nine out of 16 LGs in Kwara state are under bandits’ siege, who now demand food and drinks as ransom.

“The nine LGs in the bandit control include Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun.

“The security situation is now a national emergency. It is deeply troubling that insecurity has become a normal occurrence in our nation, where our citizens die daily more than in countries at war. This is not normal,” Obi had stated.