From John Silas, Lagos
Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as misleading and false the re-circulating video on social media showing the arrest of some Fulani men allegedly found with arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, saying the incident occurred over three years ago.
The Command said the viral video does not represent the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State, warning residents against spreading unverified and alarmist content capable of creating panic and tension.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the old clip was being wrongly presented as a recent incident, thereby causing fear and apprehension among members of the public.
“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.
According to the Command, the recirculation of outdated security footage as a current development was capable of undermining public confidence and disturbing public peace.
The police, therefore, urged residents and social media users to disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified information that could trigger unnecessary fear among the populace.
“The recirculation of such outdated content as a recent occurrence is misleading, capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear, and apprehension among residents,” the Command added.
The police also issued a stern warning to social media users, bloggers, and content creators against disseminating false information and fake news capable of causing public disorder.
It warned that individuals deliberately involved in spreading misinformation would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed sustained and enhanced deployment of police personnel and operational assets to strategic locations, black spots, and entry and exit points across the state.
The Command said the proactive security measures were being carried out in collaboration with other security and safety agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property throughout Lagos State.
