Lagos LG Chairman Debunks Rumours of Bandit Attack on Schools

The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Benson Sunday Ayodele, has come out to reassure residents that the community remains peaceful and secure, contrary to a viral video and radio broadcast claiming that two schoolgirls were killed in a bandit attack on a primary school in the area. The false report, which caused concern among residents and parents on Monday, alleged that armed bandits had invaded a public school in Imota, resulting in the death of two pupils. However, Ayodele issued a statement on Monday, describing the report as 'false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.' According to him, 'The attention of the Imota Local Council Development Area has been drawn to a viral video being circulated by GBEDU 100.1FM and across some social media platforms, alleging that two girls were killed at a primary school in Imota LCDA. We wish to state categorically that the information contained in the video is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. There is no verified report, official record, or credible security information confirming the alleged incident within Imota LCDA.' The council chairman expressed concern over the spread of unverified information, which can cause panic and disrupt public peace. He urged residents to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified content, stressing that citizens should rely on official sources and security agencies for information relating to public safety. Meanwhile, GBEDU 100.1FM has issued a formal apology for broadcasting the report without adequate verification. The station's Chairman and Programmes Director, Dayo Ajiteru, explained that the misinformation originated from calls received during a live phone-in programme. 'During our live phone-in segment, we received calls from listeners alleging that 'Imota is on fire' and that 'bandits are in a public school' with 'two girls affected.' In the urgency to inform, the information was aired without full verification from security agencies and community leaders,' the statement read. The station immediately conducted checks with the Nigeria Police, local government officials, and community leaders after the broadcast and found no evidence to support the claims. 'Following immediate checks with the Nigeria Police, Local Government officials, and community leaders in Imota, we confirm that everywhere is calm in Imota. There is no bandit attack reported at any public school as of this time. No casualties have been recorded,' it further read. The radio station acknowledged the fear and anxiety the report may have caused among parents, students, and residents and accepted responsibility for the lapse in professional standards. 'GBEDU 100.1FM regrets any fear, panic, or distress this unverified news may have caused parents, students, and residents. We take full responsibility for broadcasting the information before confirming facts. Journalistic ethics and the safety of our community remain our top priority,' the station stated.