The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane has stated that the report published by Punch Newspaper trending on social media today 21st April, 2022, and attributed to him that he confirmed NAF fighter jet killed six children in the State is false and malicious.
“A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government wishes to debunk the report by the Punch Newspaper detailing that the NAF fighter jet killed six children, stressing that he has never granted an interview to the Punch Newspaper or any media organization on the matter.
“According to the report by Punch, ‘the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ibrahim Matane has confirmed the killing of six children by a NAF fighter jet in the State.’
“The SSG therefore strongly debunks the false and grossly misleading publication and urges the general public to disregard the fake news.
“According to Ahmed Matane, ‘he is surprised by the level at which a reputable Newspaper like the Punch will publish such a sensitive security report without proper confirmation.’
“He enjoined members of the fourth estate of the realm and the general public to desist from publishing or airing fake and unsubstantiated stories instead they should verify any information that comes their way before going to press.”