Reports claiming that Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram insurgents, and other terrorist groups are intending to invade the state of Ogun have been refuted by the state’s government as untrue and unsubstantiated.
Ogun State is still safe and secure, according to the government’s statement, which was released by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, who is the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Claims of an imminent security danger within the state are unfounded, the government stressed, and the public should not be swayed by false information meant to sow panic and terror.
The statement claims that all Ogun State security agencies have been on high alert and that sufficient safeguards have been set up to prevent criminals from attempting to disrupt public order.
“The rumours being circulated on social media and across different platforms indicating that the state is under imminent threat of invasion by killer herders, Boko Haram terrorists fleeing military operations in the North-East, and other criminal groups,” Akinmade said, expressing dismay on behalf of the Ogun State Government.
That no terrorist group poses an immediate danger of invasion is the reality. Everywhere you look in the state, security forces are on high alert, and we have taken all necessary precautions to foil any plot to cause chaos or dismantle public order.
He went on to say that certain people seemed to be taking advantage of security issues in other regions of the country to sow needless panic among the people of Ogun.
“Some people are trying to make Ogun State a scary place by capitalising on security issues in other areas of the nation. “This is completely careless and could make people very anxious,” he remarked.
According to Akinmade, security services have already detained several people they believe were involved in spreading the fake news and disinformation on social media. He said that the law is being followed in prosecuting the arrested, and that this is done to discourage others from spreading lies, making people afraid, or causing mayhem in the state.
Some of the perpetrators of these disingenuous stories have been located and arrested by security forces. Anyone attempting to wilfully disseminate false information, instigate panic, or disturb public tranquillity should take note of the fact that they are already facing prosecution. He said that the administration would keep cooperating with security services to bring those responsible to justice.
Ogun State’s security forces, municipal officials, traditional institutions, and community members all work together effectively, according to the statement. It was mentioned that this collaboration has greatly improved information collecting, the ability to respond quickly, and overall cooperation in preserving peace throughout the state.
The report went on to say that the state administration is already coordinating with all relevant security organisations to develop and implement state-specific security measures with the goal of establishing and maintaining long-term stability. The government claims that the program’s goal is to strengthen cooperation between traditional security agencies and grassroots security architecture.
Akinmade elaborated on how this coordinated strategy will fortify information exchange, public engagement, and early warning systems by capitalising on the long-standing contributions of both contemporary and traditional institutions to the administration of local security.
In addition to resolving pressing security issues, the administration is dedicated to establishing long-term systems to ensure safety and stability. He explained that this necessitates enhancing the cooperation between conventional security organisations and traditional security architecture, the latter of which is still immensely important for gathering intelligence and preventing conflicts inside communities.
The government also said that Governor Dapo Abiodun has always put people’s safety first by investing in security infrastructure, helping security agencies with logistics, and implementing tech-driven programs to make the state more surveillance- and crime-proof.
Further, the statement stressed that citizens should only get information from officially sanctioned government outlets and trusted security agencies. It cautioned that ill-intentioned people could unwittingly help those who propagate false information by spreading unconfirmed stories on social media.
Akinmade reassured the public that the state government is always keeping an eye on national security events and intelligence reports to make sure Ogun State is still a secure place to live, work, and visit.
He went on to say that everyone should be on high alert as good citizens, but that there’s no need to worry because the state’s security forces are cooperating to keep communities secure and the peace.
Akinmade reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure the safety of the public and issued a stern warning that the state’s present tranquillity would not be tolerated if anyone dared to threaten it.
He emphasised that everyone is responsible for keeping the community safe and urged citizens to keep helping security authorities out by giving them relevant information when asked.
Residents are asked by the state government to support continuing security measures by sharing information responsibly and promptly. Any member of the public in need of reliable security information or assistance can reach the Ogun State Police Command at 0800 000 9111 or, in case of an emergency, at 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, or 0708 497 2994.
Rest assured, Ogun State is still a safe and secure place for lawful commercial and socio-economic activities. The administration has pleaded with the public not to believe unsubstantiated allegations and to stop spreading falsehoods that could cause panic or disrupt public order.