Lagos Govt Accuses Influencers Of Sharing False Flood Images
The Lagos State Government has accused some social media influencers and online users of spreading misleading images and videos about flooding in the state, warning that such actions create unnecessary panic among residents.
The government said some of the visuals circulating online were taken from other states and countries but were falsely presented as recent flood incidents in Lagos.
The accusation comes amid ongoing heavy rainfall across parts of the state, with officials insisting that some individuals are deliberately politicising the flooding situation through misinformation.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government had observed attempts by some persons to push what he described as a false and destructive narrative by reposting unrelated flood images as though they occurred in Lagos.
According to him, while some areas experienced temporary flooding after heavy rainfall, the situation had been managed through emergency response measures and continuous clearing of drainage channels.
Wahab urged residents to verify information before sharing it online, warning that the circulation of false images could undermine public confidence and hinder emergency response efforts.
The commissioner also highlighted ongoing government interventions, including dredging of drainage channels, removal of illegal structures blocking waterways and flood-control projects aimed at reducing the impact of heavy rains across the state.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal and obeying environmental regulations designed to prevent blocked drainage systems.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to tackling flooding and maintaining public safety, while urging citizens to rely only on verified information from official sources during the rainy season.