Imota Local Council Development Area and GBEDU 100.1FM have assured residents that Imota is safe after a viral video and radio broadcast claimed that two schoolgirls were killed in a bandit attack at a primary school.
The false report caused worry among residents and parents on Monday. It claimed armed bandits invaded a public school in Imota and killed two pupils.
The rumor spread quickly after being aired during a live phone-in segment on GBEDU 100.1FM and shared on social media.
In response, the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Sunday Ayodele, released a statement on Monday calling the report “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
“The attention of the Imota Local Council Development Area has been drawn to a viral video being circulated by GBEDU 100.1FM and across some social media platforms, alleging that two girls were killed at a primary school in Imota LCDA.
“We wish to state categorically that the information contained in the video is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. There is no verified report, official record, or credible security information confirming the alleged incident within Imota LCDA,” the statement said.
Ayodele expressed worry about the spread of unverified information that can cause panic and disturb public peace. He noted that similar incidents in the country show viral reports are often recycled or completely made up.
He urged residents to ignore the video and not share unverified content. He stressed that citizens should depend on official sources and security agencies for news about public safety.
“The safety and security of all residents remain a top priority of our administration, and we encourage everyone to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing their daily activities without fear,” Ayodele said.
Meanwhile, GBEDU 100.1FM has apologized, admitting that the report was shared without proper verification. In a statement signed by the station’s Chairman and Programmes Director, Dayo Ajiteru, the management explained that the misinformation came from calls during a live phone-in program.
“During our live phone-in segment, we received calls from listeners alleging that ‘Imota is on fire’ and that ‘bandits are in a public school’ with ‘two girls affected.’
“In the urgency to inform, the information was aired without full verification from security agencies and community leaders,” the statement read.
The station stated it checked with the Nigeria Police, local government officials, and community leaders after the broadcast and found no evidence to support the claims.
“Following immediate checks with the Nigeria Police, Local Government officials, and community leaders in Imota, we confirm that everywhere is calm in Imota. There is no bandit attack reported at any public school as of this time. No casualties have been recorded,” it added.
The radio station recognized the fear and anxiety the report may have caused among parents, students, and residents. It accepted responsibility for not meeting professional standards.
“GBEDU 100.1FM regrets any fear, panic, or distress this unverified news may have caused parents, students, and residents. We take full responsibility for broadcasting the information before confirming facts. Journalistic ethics and the safety of our community remain our top priority,” the station stated.
The management encouraged residents to stay calm and continue their lawful activities, promising to ensure accurate and responsible journalism.
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