Abeokuta, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has officially refuted a viral video circulating on social media that claimed to show a recent kidnapping incident involving herdsmen on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The video shows a Toyota Sienna with an unidentified man in blue traditional attire in the driver’s seat, with a voice-over alleging the attack was carried out by members of a specific ethnic group.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, clarified that the video is neither recent nor was it recorded within the state.
“It is important to clarify that the incident is not recent and did not occur in Ogun State,” Odutola stated. “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.”
The police command cautioned the public against sharing outdated and misleading content that could potentially incite ethnic tension and spread fear.
“The Ogun State Police Command, therefore, cautions members of the public against spreading outdated and misleading information, especially those aimed at inciting ethnic tension, promoting misinformation, intolerance, and discrimination,” she added. “Perpetrators of such acts are warned that these actions are punishable under extant laws.”
Odutola also highlighted the significant progress made by the police and other security agencies in combating kidnapping within the state.
“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 assured motorists and residents of enhanced highway security measures, pointing to the deployment of special units and equipment.
“To avoid 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 stay calm and ignore any misinformation intended to cause panic.
