The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating on social media, which allegedly depicted a herdsmen kidnapping incident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The footage showed a Toyota Sienna with a man in blue traditional attire on the driver’s side, while a voice-over claimed the attack was carried out by members of a particular ethnic group.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, clarified that the video was neither recent nor recorded in Ogun State.
“It is important to clarify that the incident is not recent and did not occur in Ogun State.
“Investigations reveal that it occurred in 2022, along the Ogun–Oyo boundary axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
“This has been further confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command,” Odutola said.
She warned members of the public against sharing outdated and misleading content that could incite ethnic tension and spread fear.
“The Ogun State Police Command therefore cautions members of the public against spreading outdated and misleading information, especially those aimed at inciting ethnic tension, promoting misinformation, intolerance, and discrimination.
“Perpetrators of such acts are warned that these actions are punishable under extant laws,” she added.
Odutola explained that the police, working with other security agencies, had made significant progress in tackling kidnapping in the state.
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“In recent times, the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, has significantly degraded the capacity of criminal elements who engage in kidnapping for ransom.
“Many of such offenders have been arrested, prosecuted, and duly convicted,” the statement noted.
She further assured motorists and residents of improved security measures along highways, highlighting the presence of special units and equipment.
“For the avoidance of doubt, security measures have been strengthened along major highways.
“This includes the establishment of makeshift tents, deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at strategic locations, and heightened police visibility for swift response to emergencies,” Odutola said.
The command urged the public to disregard the misleading clip and avoid spreading false information capable of inciting fear.