Publishers of the Democracy Newsline has refuted claims by the chairman of Kabba Bunu Local Government, Barr Zacchaeus Dare Michael that the protest by residents of Odo-Ape community on insecurity in the area was escalated by a publication by the news medium.
In a statement by the publisher of the news platform, Femi Olugbemi said “Our attention has been drawn to a news report wherein the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Barr Zacchaeus Dare Michael attributed the protest in Odo-Ape to a story on Democracy Newsline.
He noted that the insecurity within the Odo-Ape axis of recent is not in doubt with a series of kidnapping for ransom and fatalities in some instances, which he said are verifiable..
The statement added that “Though for a very long time the chairman to don’t respond to our call again, we do go through one of his close friends who upon getting this information, several attempts were made with calls to the Chairman, Barr Zacchaeus Dare Michael, through that his friend, the Police PRO with no response.
“While we am not ready to join issues with anyone on this, Democracy Newsline will continue to carry out its constitutionally sanctioned duties as a member of the fourth estate of the realm with its responsibilities and privileges.
“The sacking of herders and farmers can be confirmed in Odo-Ape where the Fulanis,Tivs and Bororos have sought refuge.
“It is laughable that reporting an unfolding security threat by Democracy Newsline will be twisted to be the reason for a protest by the people of Odo-Ape to draw attention to their plight.
“The Chairman, Kabba-Bunu Local Government is admonished to acknowledge the existential threat to the lives and properties of the people and take proactive and remedial measures to improve the security situation in his domain as playing the ostrich or the blame game will do no good. He stressed
However, the Chairman, Kabba Bunu LGA, Barr. Zacchaeus Dare Michael says at no time was there a notice by bandits smacking farmers and herders in Odo Ape Bunu, Community of Kabba/Bunu LGA, saying the crisis was politically masterminded.
Barr. Dare who disclosed this at a world press briefing on Saturday, however said the issuer of the alleged statement by the bandits should produce the statement insisting that failure to do so will be met with necessary legal and civil action.
According to Barr. Dare, the Publisher of Democracy Newsline, had issued a statement yesterday alleging the sack of residents, farmers and herders in Agbadu and Odo Ape Community by bandits, said investigation is ongoing as there was no such notice.
The Chairman said the statement led to a riot in the community today leading to the blockade of the highway by protesting youths, described the crisis as one that was politically master minded by a bad loser and his sponsors.
The Chairman disclosed that the security agencies made up of the Army, Police, Vigilantee and Local hunters have been combing the community of Odo Ape in the last one week to determine the authenticity of such threats as issued by the bandits, described the threat as one too many and that of a bad loser.
He said the area in question was provided with a divisional Police and Civil Defense Post, with young men from the area recruited into the vigilante and expressed shock at a misinformation that led to the blocking of the roads today by the youths of the area blocking the Federal Highway.
He said at no time was Odo Ape neglected, lamenting that the crisis in Odo Ape was master minded by a bad loser who kept issuing malicious statements, unfounded allegations to incite the people against the government, however called for calm.
He said an investigation has commenced to know the source of the statement as issued that is causing uproar in Odo Ape.
” We want to see the quit notice issued by the bandits to Agbadu and Odo Ape Community’s and failure to produce the statement, the person who issued the State will be made to face the full wrath of the law”.
” The mastermind of today’s crisis, the publisher, is no doubt working with some elements who sold all their lands to Fulani herdsmen who’s origin is not known and are deliberately causing the crisis, are the one celebrating victory in today’s crisis”.
” The problem caused yesterday by the people who sold their land from agbadu Apa to Odo Ape, who have been indicted by security reports are they one leading youths to protest. Serious investigation is ongoing and in an attempt to fail, the issuer of the statement will be made to produce those who gave him the statement, will face the full wrath of the law”.
He regretted that if such information is in the hands of one journalist and not in the hands of security agencies and the Council Chairman, it calls for serious investigation as he maybe working with criminal elements.
The Council Chairman called for calm, pointing out that the situation which is under control, will not be left to go unnoticed.