The Kwara State Government has refuted claims that weapons were withdrawn from vigilantes and forest guards just hours before a brutal attack by armed bandits on Sunday in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area. This incident resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 12 individuals and numerous abductions.
In a statement made on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, asserted that the rumors are unfounded. He emphasized, “There is no truth in the claim that the Department of State Service (DSS) withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time prior to the deadly attack.”
Ajakaye noted that the leadership of the forest guards has disputed the allegations, and the DSS has expressed strong concerns regarding the damaging nature of the false claims circulating in a viral video, reportedly shared by a woman.
“We pray to God to console the bereaved woman and every other one, but her claim is not true,” he added.
Furthermore, Ajakaye reassured the public that the government is committed to ensuring safety and unity within the community. “We will get out of this stronger and safer; let us remain united, calm, and refuse to be daggers drawn with ourselves, that will be a road to the Golgotha,” he stated.
He also addressed the recent operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force against bandits’ hideouts along the Kwara-Kogi border, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of a significant number of criminals. Ajakaye dismissed doubts regarding the authenticity of the Air Force’s statement, which was issued on its official WhatsApp platform by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
“What does the government gain to say there was an operation if there was none?” he questioned, urging the public to trust the official reports.
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