Kwara accuses Peter Obi of spreading falsehoods about bandit control
The Kwara State government has categorically denied claims by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, that nine out of its sixteen local government areas are under siege by bandits.
The state commissioner for communications, Bolanle Olukoju, issued a statement describing Obi’s assertions as “reckless and totally false”.
Olukoju emphasized that no local government area in Kwara State is currently under siege.
While acknowledging “unfortunate challenges” in a few areas, she stated that these incidents do not justify the “wicked escalation and fake news” being promoted by opposition elements both within and outside the state.
The Kwara State government suspects that these elements are “online promoters and equivalent of bandits” who aim to instill fear in the populace through false information, such as the claim of nine LGAs being under siege and the movement of gunmen in parts of Asa LGA.
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The government specifically accused Peter Obi of using his social media platforms to spread this “fake news,” stating that such actions are “not expected from him as a statesman”.
The government requested that Obi remove the post, deeming it “totally false and inappropriate”.
Obi’s original post, which the Kwara State government is refuting, claimed that nine LGAs—Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun—were under bandit control, with bandits reportedly demanding food and drinks as ransom.
He had also characterized the security situation as a “national emergency”.
The Kwara State government has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information to prevent panic, confusion, and psychological trauma, highlighting that such irresponsible behavior hinders the efforts of security forces.