Hon. Mohammed Baba-Shehu, Executive Chairman of Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state has demanded the immediate retraction of a news publication carried by Blueprint Newspaper on July 7, 2023.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman and made available to newsmen in Keffi on Sunday.
According to the Chairman, the attention of the local government area council was drawn to a news publication by Blueprint Newspaper Hausa version called ‘Blueprint Manhaja” with a front page publication captioned “Garin Keffi na neman zama Sudan”.
“Translated to English, it means Keffi town is becoming like Sudan. Put succinctly, Keffi is becoming a war zone.
“Upon perusal of the Blueprint Manhaja Newspaper of Friday 7th July, 2023 and having been inundated with calls from concerned citizens within and outside Keffi as well as investors to ascertain the veracity of the report, the chairman and members of the area council became confused, bewildered and perplexed.
“This is because the report as published is at variance with the true situation on ground hence the question that comes to mind are: what is the essence of such publication aimed at disparaging and portraying Keffi in such bad image? What will profit the reporter of this false news aimed at besmirching the reputation of Keffi community and it’s citizens?” He added.
He then explained that the only security situation recorded in the area was a case of clash between some criminal elements known as “Yan Sharia” on June 1, 2023 which resulted in the death of two persons.
“The situation was contained by joint security forces of the security agencies in the area in collaboration with the Keffi local government council, Keffi Emirates Council and community leaders.
“On that fateful day, the council convoked a joint security meeting to access the situation and it was resolved that public and private schools academic activities be suspended and a circular was issued to that effect.
“When normalcy returned, on June 5th 2023, the council also issued a circular and directed for the reopening of public and private schools in Keffi.
“Since then till date, academic and economic activities have been thriving without any hindrance, surprisingly only to wake up on Friday 7th July, 2023 to hear and see this concocted story fabricated by mere figment of the imagination of Mr John Wada’s imagination,” he said.
He then appealed to the people of Keffi LGA, Nasarawa state citizens as well as investors to discountenance with the news publication and continue to carry out normal activities in a peaceful and serene Keffi environment.
He also called for the prosecution of Mr John Wada of Blueprint Manhaja Newspaper for the alleged malicious, baseless and unfounded news publication which according to him is capable of breaching peace and order as well as scaring away investors in the area.
“In view of this unprecedented development, the services of Barrister Haruna Ilya of Favour Chambers, Keffi had been engaged to demand management of Manhaja Newspaper to retract the false publication, tender apology and publish same on three recognized national dailies including the Blueprint Manhaja Newspaper for five consecutive days as well as pay compensation in the sun of N10 Million or face redress,” he added.