Yagba West local government council, Kogi state, has debunked a recent publication by an online news medium alleging that bandits killed 27 persons in fresh attack in the area.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Council Chairman, Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, the publication on fresh attacks in Yagba West was entirely false, reckless and a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary panic in the area.
Adeyemi said the publication was aimed at discrediting the ongoing efforts of the Local Government and security agencies in maintaining peace and order within Yagba West LGA.
“Contrary to Sahara Reporters’ false narrative, there was no such attack, killing, or abduction anywhere in Yagba West Local Government Area. Following the circulation of the report, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, immediately contacted the Divisional Police Officer, the Forward Operating Base Commander, traditional rulers, and community vigilante leaders across all wards of the Local Government.
All security formations categorically confirmed that no such incident occurred during the reported period.
“There was no mass killing. This story is a figment of the imagination of its authors, representing a gross violation of journalistic ethics and public trust,” he said.
The Council noted with concern that publications such as this undermine the tireless efforts of the Local Government and security agencies who are daily working to protect lives and restore peace.
“It will be recalled that when a notorious kidnap kingpin, Musa Iliasu (Mai Dawa), was recently neutralized by security operatives in Yagba West, another false report misleadingly claimed the incident happened in Kwara State, an example of the misinformation that erodes public confidence and distorts the record of genuine security progress.
“The Yagba West Local Government Council therefore demanded an immediate retraction of the false publication and a public apology from Sahara Reporters to the government and good people of Yagba West and Kogi State. Failure to comply within a reasonable time frame will compel the Council to pursue appropriate legal and regulatory action to protect the integrity of the Local Government and the peace of its citizens,” he said.
The Council further cautioned media houses and social media users to exercise responsibility and professionalism in their reportage, especially on sensitive security matters.
“Every unverified publication has consequences, it undermines ongoing operations, discourages security personnel, and endangers the peace of law-abiding citizens.
“Yagba West remains peaceful and secure, with normal social and economic activities ongoing across all communities. The Executive Chairman reiterates his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property through continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, and community vigilante formations,” the statement added.
