By Ademola Adekusibe
October 2, 2025
Kwara— ILORIN
Following a recent controversy in Kwara State, where the government circulated an old photo claiming that the Nigerian military had bombed terrorists, a claim later debunked by The Yoruba Times, several social media influencers have reportedly faced intimidation for speaking out about the ongoing insecurity in the state. The misleading image had initially been shared widely, creating a false sense of security among the public, but fact-checks revealed it was outdated and unrelated to recent events, casting doubt on the government’s narrative.
In the wake of this exposure, influencers who have been vocal about the state of insecurity in Kwara are reportedly being targeted. X user Mufti of Ilorin received a threatening call instructing them to stop raising awareness about the incidents, while influencer Intern Gbogbo HR was also reportedly contacted and threatened, highlighting an apparent campaign to silence critics.
The situation intensified when the Special Assistant on New Media to the Kwara State Governor publicly claimed that Mr. Akinwale, known on X as Mrlurvy, is allegedly responsible for “fueling media attacks” on insecurity in the state. Responding to the allegation, Mrlurvy tweeted:
“The SA New Media to Kwara Governor just sent a nasty message to me that I am the one fueling media attack on the insecurity in Kwara. What sort of madness is this? From where to where? Abi gbogbo yin fe soriburuku ni? Any small thing Lurvy this and that. I have never been this embarrassed. God.”
Observers say this pattern of behavior raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to hold authorities accountable. After initially misleading the public with false information, the government’s alleged intimidation of influencers suggests a strategy aimed at controlling the narrative on insecurity rather than addressing the underlying issues. Critics argue that this not only undermines trust in official statements but also endangers those attempting to shed light on the real situation on the ground.
As insecurity continues to affect communities in Kwara State, the targeting of social media influencers who speak out may have broader implications for transparency, civic engagement, and the public’s right to information. Many Nigerians are now questioning how authorities can both mislead the public and simultaneously attempt to silence those who challenge their narrative.
