By Adesakin Adefemi
The Kwara State Government has issued a statement denying reports that the Nigerian Army arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, describing the claims as misinformation aimed at causing panic.
According to a statement by Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, Kwara State Government, the Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in Ifelodun or any partKwara State. The government attributes the claims to a viral video that has been misinterpreted and misrepresented online.
The statement explains that the individuals in the video were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State, and are currently under investigation. The suspects claimed to have received a vehicle from ‘Ilorin Government’ and weapons from ‘Abuja’, but the Kwara State Government denies any involvement in arming individuals with AK-47s.
The Ifelodun Local Government Authority clarified that a security van was given to vigilantes initially deployed in the area to strengthen security, but the vigilantes have since left Ifelodun and the van was not returned to the local government.
Kwara State Government stresses that no state government has the power to arm individuals with AK-47s, and the suspects did not mention the state government providing them with weapons. The government suspects a misinformation campaign aimed at spreading panic and destabilizing the state.
The statement urges citizens to be cautious of biased or misleading information online, which can pose a threat to human life and public peace. The security forces are currently investigating the matter, and the Kwara State Government awaits further clarity.
The government emphasizes the need for enhanced interagency coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among security agencies to combat banditry and violent crimes effectively in the state.
Kwara State Government assures citizens of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state and urges the public to cooperate with security agencies to achieve this goal.
The government also calls on online media platforms and bloggers to exercise caution and responsibility when reporting security matters to avoid spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary panic.
