Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Zamfara State Council of Traditional Rulers has expressed deep concern over the growing misuse of social media in the state, warning that insults, misinformation and defamatory content are fueling tensions and undermining the peace and security of communities across the region. The council, comprising the state's monarchs and traditional leaders, issued the warning on Monday, July 20, 2026, during a meeting in Gusau, the state capital, where they deliberated on the rising wave of unverified and harmful content circulating on digital platforms. The traditional rulers lamented that social media, which was designed to foster communication and connectivity, had increasingly become a tool for spreading falsehoods, inciting violence, and tarnishing the reputations of individuals, families, and institutions.
The council urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, avoid abusive content, and use digital platforms responsibly. The monarchs stressed that the unchecked spread of fake news and hate speech posed a serious threat to the fragile peace in Zamfara, which has been grappling with banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts for years. They noted that false narratives often exacerbate existing tensions, create divisions among communities, and undermine the efforts of security agencies and the government to restore stability. The traditional rulers called on all citizens, particularly youths, to exercise restraint and critical thinking when engaging with online content, emphasising that every individual has a responsibility to ensure that their online conduct does not harm others or disrupt public order.
In a significant move, the council called on security agencies to take legal action against anyone found using social media to spread falsehoods, incite violence, or defame others. The monarchs insisted that the proliferation of harmful content must be met with decisive enforcement of existing laws, warning that impunity in the digital space would only encourage further recklessness. They urged the police, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to identify and prosecute offenders, stressing that the rule of law must extend to the online sphere. The council also appealed to the National Assembly and the judiciary to strengthen the legal framework governing social media use, ensuring that it balances the protection of citizens' rights with the need to safeguard public peace and national security.
The traditional rulers stressed that freedom of expression, while a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, should never be used as a cover for hate speech, misinformation, or actions capable of disrupting public peace. They maintained that the right to free speech comes with corresponding responsibilities, and that citizens must exercise their rights with maturity and respect for the rights of others. The monarchs noted that in recent times, social media platforms had been used to spread false allegations against traditional rulers, religious leaders, and public officials, eroding public trust and creating an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility. They warned that such practices were unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The council's statement comes amid a broader national conversation about the regulation of social media in Nigeria, with many stakeholders calling for a balanced approach that curbs abuse without stifling legitimate expression. In Zamfara, where insecurity has been a persistent challenge, the traditional rulers have often played a crucial role in mediating conflicts and promoting dialogue. Their latest intervention reflects a growing recognition that the battle for peace must also be fought in the digital space, where misinformation and hate speech can have real-world consequences. The monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government and security agencies to promote responsible digital citizenship and protect the integrity of the state's social fabric.
As Zamfara continues to navigate its security challenges, the warning from the Council of Traditional Rulers serves as a timely reminder that the fight against misinformation and hate speech is a collective responsibility. The monarchs have made it clear that they will not stand idly by while social media is used to destabilise the state, and they have called on all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that digital platforms are used for constructive purposes. The question now is whether the security agencies will heed the council's call and take decisive action against offenders, and whether citizens will embrace the message of responsibility and restraint in their online interactions.
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