The Kwara State Government has refuted claims circulating on social media that bandits have taken over nine of the state’s 16 local government areas, dismissing the report as baseless, politically driven, and a deliberate attempt to create panic.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Communication, Mr Ibraheem Abdullateef, debunked the claim, insisting that no part of the state was under the control of criminal elements.
“The allegation that nine local government areas in Kwara have been taken over by bandits is entirely false. No single council is under the control of such elements. The Kwara State Police Command has also denied the claim, and no security agency has provided any report to that effect,” Abdullateef said.
He explained that while isolated security incidents had occurred in a few northern communities, the situation had been blown out of proportion by political actors seeking to discredit the government.
“Though there have been sporadic cases of criminal activity, Kwara remains one of the safest and most stable states in the North-Central region. This misleading report is a concoction aimed at stirring fear and confusion,” he added.
The governor’s aide further revealed that the state government, working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies, was intensifying efforts to strengthen security architecture across the state, particularly in border communities.
Abdullateef also accused the opposition, particularly the Public Relations Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr Olusegun Adewara, alongside some online bloggers, of peddling misinformation for political gains.
“Security matters are too sensitive to be trivialised. The PDP and its spokesperson must desist from spreading unverified claims that can erode public confidence and jeopardise security operations,” he cautioned.
He reaffirmed the AbdulRazaq administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that the government would not allow the state to become a breeding ground for criminal networks.
“Kwara is safe and remains under firm government control. Our security agencies are vigilant, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and stability,” Abdullateef concluded.
The government’s reaction comes amid rising public concern following recent bandit attacks in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas, where cases of abduction and killings had been reported.
Although Kwara has enjoyed relative peace compared to neighbouring states, its proximity to Niger and Kogi—known flashpoints for banditry—has made it susceptible to cross-border criminal incursions.
In a related development, the Kebbi State Police Command also dismissed a similar claim by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) alleging that nine local government areas in Kebbi had become ungovernable due to insecurity.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafi’u Abubakar, described the claim as “grossly irresponsible,” clarifying that the reported abduction of a lawyer, Mr Isiaku Danjuma, occurred in Ibeto, Niger State, and not within Kebbi’s jurisdiction.
“The victim was abducted in Ibeto, Niger State, after alighting from a government vehicle en route to Abuja. The NBA’s statement was based on misinformation and could incite unnecessary fear among residents,” Abubakar explained.
He warned against spreading unverified security claims, stressing that such actions could undermine the morale of security operatives and disrupt ongoing operations.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello M. Sani, assured residents that Kebbi remained peaceful, urging them to go about their lawful activities while providing credible intelligence to assist the police.
He further appealed to community leaders and professional bodies to collaborate constructively with security agencies, while calling on the abductors of Danjuma to release him immediately and unconditionally.
