Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral video showing the arrest of Fulani men allegedly found with arms and ammunition in Ikorodu.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
According to the PPRO, the video is an old video linked to an incident that occurred more than three years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State.
SP. Adebisi, the Command warned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and undermining public confidence.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to state unequivocally that the video currently circulating on social media platforms depicting the arrest of some Fulani men allegedly found in possession of arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is an old clip of an incident that occurred over three years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The Police noted that the renewed circulation of the video was capable of creating unnecessary fear and apprehension among residents.
“The recirculation of such outdated content as a recent occurrence is misleading, capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear and apprehension among residents. The Command therefore urges members of the public to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of undermining public confidence and peace,” the statement added.
The Command also cautioned social media users and content creators against disseminating false reports capable of causing public disorder, warning that offenders would be investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.
“The Command further warns social media users and content creators against the dissemination of false, unverified and alarmist stories capable of causing public disorder. Individuals found deliberately spreading misinformation or fake news will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws,” Adebisi stated.
