YAGBA WEST COUNCIL CONDEMNS SAHARA REPORTERS’ FABRICATED BANDIT ATTACK STORY — DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RETRACTION, PUBLIC APOLOGY, OR FACE LEGAL ACTION
The attention of the Yagba West Local Government Council has been drawn to a recent publication by Sahara Reporters titled “Bandits Kill 27 in Fresh Attack on Kogi’s Yagba West As Insecurity Worsens.”
The said publication is entirely false, reckless, and defamatory, constituting a deliberate attempt to misinform the public, create unnecessary panic, and discredit the ongoing efforts of the Local Government and security agencies in maintaining peace and order within Yagba West.
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.
The Council notes 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 demands 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.
The Council further cautions 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.
Signed:
Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday
Chief Press Secretary,
Yagba West Local Government Council.
October 5, 2025.
