By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Kebbi State Government has distanced itself from claims that the state has thousands of registered members practicing homosexuality and lesbianism, describing the figures as false and misleading.

The State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, debunked the allegations following a statement made by Dr. Nasir Kigo, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Birnin Kebbi, during an Islamic gathering. The governor condemned the figures and declared that they were baseless and lacked credible evidence.

?After thorough investigation, the government discovered that this was false information. Therefore, we call on the general public to disregard this claim because it lacks merit,? Governor Idris stated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris.

The state government has also vowed to take disciplinary action against the permanent secretary for disseminating unverified information.

Dr. Kigo had reportedly stated during his lecture, which was later circulated on Facebook, that Kebbi State had 15,979 registered homosexuals and 18,567 registered lesbians. He also alleged that, according to a first census, Kebbi had 1,088 registered homosexuals and 7,986 registered lesbians, with subsequent figures rising significantly.

The government, however, refuted the figures, emphasizing that no credible institution had ever conducted such a census.

?The dissemination of such baseless statistics can mislead the public and create unnecessary panic. The government is committed to maintaining social harmony and ensuring that only factual information is shared with the people,? the governor added.

The controversy has sparked reactions across the state, with residents and stakeholders questioning the source of the figures and the implications of such claims.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has reiterated its commitment to truth and accountability, urging public officials to verify information before making statements that could misrepresent the state?s image.