The Kwara State Government has denied claims circulating on social media that armed bandits were arrested in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state and that some government officials were involved in supporting criminal activities. The government described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear among residents.
The clarification came after a video went viral on social media platforms showing some men who were described as suspected bandits. In the video, the suspects claimed that they were provided with weapons and a vehicle by the “Ilorin Government,” a phrase many viewers interpreted as referring to the Kwara State Government. The video quickly spread online, raising public concern and leading to questions about the role of government officials in security matters.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bola Olukoju, said the claims were not true and did not reflect the reality on ground in Kwara State. She said neither the Nigerian Army nor any other security agency arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area or anywhere else in the state.
“The Kwara State Government wishes to clarify that the Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandit in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, contrary to the disinformation spreading on social media platforms,” the statement said.
According to the commissioner, the state government carefully reviewed the viral video and the statements made by the suspects. She explained that while the suspects mentioned a vehicle allegedly linked to the “Ilorin Government” and weapons said to have come “from Abuja,” there was no proof that the Kwara State Government supplied arms or supported the suspects in any way.
She also noted that the suspects were not arrested in Kwara State. “No security agency, including the Army, ever reported such arrests in Kwara. They were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State. Further details are awaited for more clarity,” the statement added.
The government stressed that state governments do not have the legal power to issue or distribute weapons such as AK-47 rifles to individuals. It also pointed out that the suspects did not clearly state in the video that the Kwara State Government gave them any arms.
The viral video emerged at a time when Nigerians are highly sensitive to issues of insecurity. In recent years, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes have affected many parts of the country, especially in the North-Central and North-West regions. Although Kwara State has largely remained peaceful compared to some neighboring states, there have been occasional security concerns, particularly in border communities.
Ifelodun Local Government Area, which lies in the southern part of Kwara State, shares boundaries with other states. Because of its location, the area has sometimes been mentioned in discussions about security and the movement of criminal elements across state lines. This background made the viral video more worrying for residents, many of whom feared that banditry had taken a stronger hold in the area.
Providing further clarification, the state government addressed the issue of the vehicle mentioned in the video. According to the statement, the Ifelodun Local Government Authority confirmed that the vehicle shown was a security van earlier provided to local vigilantes operating in the area.
The vigilantes were deployed as part of community-based security efforts to support formal security agencies. Like in many parts of Nigeria, local vigilante groups are often used to gather intelligence, patrol communities, and help protect residents, especially in rural areas where security personnel may be limited.
However, the government explained that the vigilantes who were given the vehicle had since left Ifelodun. The local government, according to the statement, had repeatedly complained that the vehicle was not returned after the vigilantes left the area.
This explanation, the government said, showed that the presence of the vehicle did not mean the state government was supporting criminal activities. Instead, it was part of earlier efforts to improve security at the community level.
The Kwara State Government also expressed concern about how false information can spread quickly on social media and cause panic. It warned residents against drawing conclusions from unverified videos and urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.
The issue has also raised broader questions about how security information is shared in Nigeria. In many cases, videos and messages circulate online before security agencies or governments can verify the facts. This often leads to confusion and mistrust, especially when sensitive issues like banditry and terrorism are involved.
While investigations into the matter are ongoing, the Kwara State Government called for stronger cooperation among security agencies. It emphasized the need for better intelligence sharing and coordination to tackle banditry and other crimes effectively.
The state government reassured residents that it remains committed to maintaining peace and
security across Kwara State. It also promised to continue working with security agencies and local leaders to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property.
For many residents, the government’s clarification has provided some relief. However, the incident has also highlighted the importance of transparency and timely communication in handling security-related issues.
As Nigeria continues to face security challenges in different regions, incidents like this show how quickly misinformation can spread and how important it is for authorities to respond promptly. The Kwara State Government has urged citizens to remain calm, stay vigilant, and support efforts aimed at keeping the state safe.