Nigerian Police, NEMA debunk rumour of terrorist attack on Lagos -Ibadan road
The Nigerian Police and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, have debunked rumours that suspected Boko Haram insurgents took over a section the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, shooting and maiming their victims.
In a statement in Lagos, Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s South-West Spokesperson, said that the agency received “a false alert” about the purported attacks along the expressway.
A message had been circulating via Blackberry Messenger and other social media avenues that 18 suspected Boko Haram members, armed with AK47 rifles, were on the highway “displaying their skills.”
“If you are on the Lagos/Ibadan Express road going towards Ibadan… please turn back… 18 suspected Boko Haram members with AK47 riffles are on the highway now displaying their skills… nine policemen and 11 civilians have been confirmed dead by this gunmen while trying to stop them from the shooting… Please rebroadcast to save lives. May God help us in Nigeria!!!” the message stated.
NEMA described the message as “complete lies and unfounded.”
“Security agencies have combed all routes and beyond without any trace of such incidents,” Mr. Farinloye said.
“Mischief makers broadcasting these evil machinations are strongly warned to desist from circulating unfounded messages in the country.
“The public should disregard and discourage further circulation of such inciting messages against the nation,” Mr. Farinloye added.
In debunking the rumour, the police said that a fallen truck laden with goods had obstructed movement on the road and the police was working with other agencies to clear the obstruction.
The police, through their twitter handle, @policeNG, said “#Lagos – #Ibadan Expressway safe. No BH attack, Traffic due to fallen Truck with goods. Working with other agency to clear road. #Rumour.”
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