Lagos State Government didn’t mince words this time. That viral kidnapping flyer on Gbagada Expressway? Fake and recycled, they said. But even with the warning labeled bogus, it still had people checking over their shoulders, questioning every shadow along the road.
The flyer had all the trappings of authority—an “official government template” telling folks to avoid late-night travel and “be extremely vigilant.” Looks legit at first glance, right? That’s exactly what got people panicked.
Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s press secretary, made it clear: “Ignore it.” No qualifiers, no softening. Just ignore it and yet, Lagosians couldn’t help but spread it further, proving fear travels faster than truth.
Police Step In: “Not From Us, Stop Spreading It”
The Lagos State Police joined the fray fast. CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the alert didn’t come from them. In fact, this wasn’t a one-off scare. A version of the flyer has been bouncing around since January 2024, resurfacing in September 2024 and again in March 2025. Somebody clearly likes to stir panic.
Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh ordered a full review of Gbagada’s security architecture—DPOs and area commanders told to reassess everything. The message was clear: don’t ignore public concern, but also don’t let fear control the streets.
And they’re taking it seriously on the legal side too. People spreading the fake flyer might face prosecution. At the same time, the police remind the public: stay alert, report anything suspicious, but go about your business without fear.
Official Statement: “Fake, Recycled, But We’re Watching”
The official statement on the Nigeria Police Force website is blunt. That kidnapping advisory? Fake and recycled. But the police stress they’re not ignoring Gbagada. Security reviews are ongoing, checkpoints are monitored, and officers are keeping an eye out for any real threats.
False alerts might be harmless on paper, but in practice, they trigger unnecessary panic. Lagosians are wary, but the authorities want them calm. The streets are busy enough—no need to add fear to the mix.
This is Lagos’ way of saying: the flyer is nonsense, but we’re still paying attention. So don’t get fooled by appearances; the cops have their eyes open.
Police Hunt the Ghost Writers
Authorities aren’t just talking; they’re acting. The Lagos police are tracking down whoever keeps making these flyers, warning the public that prosecution is real for spreading fake alerts. No more jokes, no more recycled scares.
Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh has made it clear: this isn’t just about rumors—it’s about public trust and safety. If people keep feeding fear with fake information, it makes real threats harder to manage.
For Lagosians, the message is simple: stay alert, but don’t become part of the panic. And if you know someone forwarding the flyer? Maybe remind them, you could get in trouble.
Public Fear vs. Reality
The streets talk. People whisper, check shadows, glance over shoulders—especially at night. The flyer lit that fire, but the cops say there’s no confirmed spike in kidnappings. Lagos isn’t ignoring real danger; it’s just separating truth from fear.
Police are reviewing patrols, checking hotspots, and tightening security in Gbagada. The message: yes, be careful, but don’t let rumors rule your life. Stay alert, follow official sources, and don’t add fuel to the fire.
Fear is contagious. So is calm. Lagos is trying to push the latter, but the flyer proves how quickly panic spreads—even when it’s fake.
Reality Check: Misinformation vs. Actual Danger (Conclusion)
Here’s the street-level truth: there’s no confirmed spike in kidnappings on Gbagada Expressway. Still, that doesn’t mean commuters should drop their guard. Police are reviewing security plans, reinforcing patrols, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
The flyer looks official, and that’s why it went viral. It’s a textbook disinformation trick: make it look real, watch people panic. The Lagos government and police are sending a clear message—don’t be part of the problem by resending unverified alerts.
If you’re heading down Gbagada Expressway tonight, here’s the street-level reality. Watch your surroundings, travel smart, avoid isolated spots—but don’t buy into the panic. The cops are patrolling, checkpoints are active, and security measures are being reviewed.
The flyer is mostly noise, real life moves on while rumors get forwarded. Use official updates, not WhatsApp forwards, to decide your moves.
At the end of the day, Gbagada’s shadows might seem ominous, but the real danger isn’t in the flyer—it’s letting fear dictate your steps.
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