Southern Kaduna: Government threatens prosecution over false reports

Kaduna State government has said that journalists risk arrest and prosecution for spreading false reports and images of the crisis in Southern Kaduna and other troubled spots in the state.

Media aide to the Governor, Samuel Aruwan, yesterday, said the state security council has reviewed the situation in three local councils that are presently under curfew, adding: “The council noted that security agencies have taken actions that are preventing attacks, and stabilising the situation in Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon-Kataf local councils.

Aruwan, who said the state security council “welcomes the efforts of security agencies in thwarting attacks and helping to foster a growing sense of safety,” however, added that “the council also received reports of a spike in false stories of attacks and killings.”

“These appear tailored to promote panic within communities, create fear and provoke a spiral of reprisals and vengeance. The Kaduna State Security Council warns that anyone spreading false stories and images of attacks is liable to be prosecuted. If any individual or community is attacked, the correct and lawful procedure is to report to traditional rulers and the police, who have the statutory duty to record the incident, investigate and ascertain its veracity and take steps to establish the identity of victim and perpetrator, amongst others,” he said.