The Ekiti State Government has dismissed rumours of imminent attacks on tertiary institutions and border communities, urging residents to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media.
Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Security Matters, stated during a radio programme in Ado Ekiti that investigations by security agencies found the claims to be baseless.
The reaction followed a viral video in which a suspected bandit allegedly threatened Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, along with a report of a supposed invasion of a border community.
Ogundana assured residents, saying, “Ekiti remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. People must understand that these rumours are deliberately fabricated to create fear, especially as we enter the festive season.” He explained that the video was manipulated to incite panic.
Responding to concerns about the state’s borders with Kwara and Kogi, Ogundana noted that entry points were heavily secured, ensuring no threat to Ekiti communities.
The State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, had earlier described the video as AI-generated, intended to mislead the public. Adequate security personnel have been deployed across the state to safeguard residents.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, highlighted that the state’s peace is supported by a multi-layered security system involving military and paramilitary agencies, community security outfits, traditional rulers, and technology-driven surveillance.
He added that improvements in infrastructure, including power supply and solar-powered streetlights, contribute to overall safety.
Olatunbosun warned residents against spreading unverified information, advising that suspicious messages be reported to authorities for immediate action.
