Lagos Debunks Kidnapping Rumours Along Gbagada Expressway!

Lagos Debunks Kidnapping Rumours Along Gbagada Expressway!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Lagos State Government has dismissed circulating claims that there has been a surge in kidnappings along the Gbagada Expressway. The state’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, called the alert “false news” in a statement issued on Friday. [1]

“Good morning Lagos, please beware of this fake news circulating again! … Kindly disregard this notification. Thank you.” — Akosile, via his official X handle. [1]

Key Details:

• The fraudulent flyer claimed passengers using the Gbagada Expressway were being targeted by kidnappers employing the so‑called “one‑chance” method via commercial buses. [1]
• The alert, allegedly from the police, first surfaced in January 2024, resurfaced in September 2024 and again in March 2025, and has been repeatedly debunked by the Lagos State Police Command. [2]
• While the state clarified no such kidnapping spike was validated, the Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered an immediate review of security architecture along the corridor as a precaution. [3]

Why It Matters:

• Circulation of false security alerts can fuel widespread panic, deskill public trust in official communications, and strain community‑police relations.
• The Gbagada Expressway is a major commuting route; rumours of heightened criminal activity can affect movement, commerce and law‑and‑order perceptions.
• The repeated proliferation of this false claim underscores the challenge of distinguishing genuine advisories from misinformation in Nigeria’s digital information space.

What to Watch:

• Whether the Lagos State Government rolls out a public‑education campaign or social‑media initiative to curb the spread of false alerts.
• Any prosecutions of individuals traced to the creation or spread of fraudulent advisories concerning kidnapping.
• Real‑time crime data from the Gbagada Expressway corridor to verify or refute actual trends in kidnapping and robbery.

Citations:

1. Nigerian News Now: www.nigerianeye.com/2025/11/lagos-govt-debunks-alert-on-heightened.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/police-urge-public-to-disregard-kidnapping-news-in-lagos/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Whistler Newspaper: thewhistler.ng/lagos-cp-dismisses-gbagada-kidnapping-reports-orders-arrest-of-culprits/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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