Lagos State Government has dismissed a widely circulated online message claiming that kidnappers are targeting commuters along the Gbagada Expressway.
The message, which appeared in the form of a flyer allegedly issued by the state government, had triggered concerns among residents who feared an increase in criminal activity in the area.
According to the report, the flyer warned the public about supposed rising abductions carried out by criminals using the one chance tactic, where unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles operated by armed gangs. The rumour gained traction on social media platforms, causing panic and confusion among road users.
Reacting to the misinformation, the government clarified that no such advisory was released by any official agency. Authorities described the circulating message as a deliberate attempt to cause unnecessary fear among residents and distort public confidence in ongoing security efforts within the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, took to his official X handle on Friday to address the situation. He urged Lagosians to disregard the false alert, stressing that it was not the first time such misleading information would be pushed out by individuals intent on causing panic. He noted that similar rumours had been debunked in the past.
Akosile wrote: “Good morning Lagos, please beware of this fake news in circulation again. We have addressed it in the past, but purveyors of fakery are not tired of recycling this rubbish. Kindly ignore it. Thank you.” His statement reaffirmed the government’s stance that the public should rely solely on verified announcements from official channels.
The government further encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, while cautioning against sharing unverified messages that may disrupt public peace. It assured the public that security measures across the state remain active and effective.
