From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Relief materials approved by the Sokoto State Government for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State were distributed in accordance with due process and with full transparency.
The Chairman of Isa Local Government, Hon. Sharehu Abubakar Kamarawa, reaffirmed this in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Sokoto, describing recent viral allegations to the contrary as false and misleading.
Kamarawa said the humanitarian intervention, carried out on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, was successfully implemented to provide much-needed support to families displaced by insecurity across affected communities in the local government area.
His clarification follows the circulation of a social media video in which some individuals alleged that the approved relief materials were never distributed.
The claims generated widespread public concern and cast doubt on the state’s humanitarian response.
However, the controversy took a different turn after the same individuals featured in the viral video publicly retracted their earlier statements.
According to the chairman, the retractions validate the integrity of the distribution exercise and confirm that the government fulfilled its commitment to the affected communities.
“The relief materials were distributed transparently to the intended beneficiaries in line with the directive of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
“The recent retractions by those who appeared in the viral video have exposed the falsehood of the allegations and cleared any doubts about the exercise,” he said.
The individuals, in separate follow-up videos, admitted that they had been persuaded to make false claims that no distribution had taken place.
They alleged that they were offered money and promised additional assistance if they participated in the video, believing it would improve their chances of receiving further support.
Kamarawa described the incident as unfortunate, noting that misinformation surrounding humanitarian interventions could undermine public confidence and discourage future assistance to vulnerable populations.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for its continued support to communities affected by insecurity and assured residents that the local government remains committed to ensuring that government interventions reach the intended beneficiaries.
The chairman also urged members of the public and social media users to exercise caution before sharing unverified information, especially on issues affecting displaced persons and humanitarian programmes.
“Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be based on facts,” he said.
“The spread of false information only creates unnecessary tension, damages public trust, and distracts from the genuine efforts being made to assist those in need,” he added.
