The Lagos State Government has accused some bloggers and social media influencers of spreading false images of flooding, saying the posts are misleading residents and politicising a serious environmental issue.
In a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said some people had been sharing pictures and videos from other states and countries and falsely claiming they were taken in Lagos.
"We have watched with concern as some individuals have chosen to politicise the issue of flooding in Lagos by circulating misleading visuals from other states and countries that have experienced severe flooding, all in an attempt to advance a destructive narrative," Wahab said.
He said the state government constantly monitors flooding and responds to reports received through different channels. However, he expressed concern that some online content creators were putting internet traffic ahead of accurate information.
"Some bloggers and social media influencers deliberately disseminate false or misleading information solely to generate clicks and engagement, with little regard for the genuine concerns of residents and property owners whose cases deserve urgent attention and intervention," Wahab said.
The commissioner urged residents, bloggers and other stakeholders to verify information before sharing it online.
He said spreading false reports could distract emergency agencies and weaken public trust during periods of heavy rainfall.
Lagos experiences seasonal flooding during the rainy season because of heavy rainfall, blocked drainage channels and rapid urban growth.
The state government has repeatedly advised residents to clear drains, avoid dumping refuse in waterways and rely on official updates for information about weather and flood inc
idents.
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