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Governor Mukhtar Ramalan of Kaduna State has denied any knowledge of an alleged intelligence report on the last two bombings in the state capital, Kaduna.
A statement issued this afternoon by the Director General (DG) Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, said: “We are aware of an unfortunate and also erroneous report being circulated to media houses on a purported security report that forewarned His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, of the July 23 bombings that occurred in Kaduna metropolis.
“While we appreciate efforts being made by security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state, it is however sad that some persons within the services could peddle misinformation and deliberately spread falsehood to media platforms on the sad event.
“To put the records straight, we wish to state unequivocally that Governor Yero received no security report from the Department of State Security (DSS) or any of the security agencies warning of an impending bombing in the state.
“As a leader committed to the security of lives and properties of the entire people of Kaduna State, Governor Yero will never treat such piece of information with levity and this has been demonstrated in his handling of sensitive issues since assuming office as governor.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Yero maintains mutual collaborative efforts with all security agencies in the State and this is evident in the fact that for about twenty months of his administration, there was no single bomb blast in the state.
“We therefore view the so called security report on the bombing as another plot by mischief makers not only to bring the person of Governor Yero to disrepute but also to throw Kaduna state into confusion.
“We challenge the so called ‘anonymous source’ of the report to provide proof if any of the purported letter written to the Governor by the Director of Department of State Service in the State.
“It is imperative on media organisations to uphold the basic principle of journalism hinged on balance and factual reporting by demanding to see a copy of the letter and also seek clarification from relevant authorities before rushing to the press.”
Yero called on the people of the state to disregard the erroneous report and go about their lawful businesses without fear as the State Government is ever committed to protecting their well-being at all times.
•Photo shows Governor Yero.