The Lagos State Government has been quick to dispel online rumours alleging a major surge in kidnapping cases along the Gbagada Expressway. The false claims, which have been recirculating on social media, included a flyer that was designed to look as if it was officially issued by the state government.
The misleading message warned commuters about an increase in abductions, specifically alleging that criminals were using the common ‘one chance’ tactic where passengers are robbed or abducted in commercial vehicles to prey on unsuspecting residents in the area.
Responding to the viral content on Friday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, used his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to set the record straight.
Mr Akosile wrote: “Good morning Lagos, please beware of this fake news in circulation again! We’ve addressed it in the past, but purveyors of fakery are not tired of recycling this rubbish. Kindly ignore it. Thank you.” His firm denial directly tackles the persistent nature of the misinformation.
While the government’s swift denial aims to quell public fear, such widely circulated security rumours carry a subtle but significant economic cost. The Gbagada Expressway is a vital transport link, connecting the Lagos Mainland to high-density commercial and residential areas.
Persistent, unverified security alerts can damage consumer confidence and affect business activities. When residents fear using major transport routes, it can lead to reduced patronage for transport operators, increased operational costs for businesses relying on logistics, and a slowdown in general commerce. Furthermore, a perception of high insecurity, even if based on false reports, deters investment and undermines the state government’s efforts to promote Lagos as a safe and stable commercial hub. The repeated need to debunk these rumours drains official resources and attention that could otherwise be dedicated to verifiable security issues and economic development.
