Commissioner of Information and Home Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Adamu, made the clarification while addressing journalists, urging residents to desist from making unfounded speculations that could heighten tension.
According to the commissioner, “there is no iota of truth in the widely spread rumour that suspected members of the sect were arrested.”
He explained that the large number of persons arrested by security agents were found in odd places at equally odd hours. “This,” Adamu said, “is a normal routine in tackling security challenges.”
According to him, “it is unfair for anyone who is arrested or is being questioned by security agents to be labeled a Boko Haram member.”
“It is quite unfortunate that a story, about two weeks ago, regarding a security raid on a popular social center, has been misrepresented and is now causing fear and tension in the hearts of residents. This is far from the reality of what happened.
“We want to categorically state that there is no truth in that assertion that soldiers arrested 33 Boko Haram members in Kaduna. We find it necessary to make this clarification to put the record straight and calm unnecessary tension.
“Some even go as far as reporting that they were arrested when soldiers stormed their hideouts. It is not true but a mere exaggeration of the complete story. It is true that security personnel can come in contact with people in a way that would warrant them to seek more information about them. And it is not a new thing. But like I said, it is false.
“No Boko Haram member has been arrested in Kaduna as reported by some media organisations.”
Adamu said: “Security matters should not be compromised on sheer sentiment and interest because the whole society would bear the brunt.”
He said that the Kaduna State Government is on top of the security situation in the state, stressing that there is no cause for alarm because security agencies are working round the clock to ensure protection of life and property.
Adamu appealed to journalists to be conscious of government’s effort in making sure that peace reigns in the state.
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