Lagos accuses bloggers of spreading fake flood images, warns against misinformation

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has accused some bloggers, social media influencers and political actors of circulating misleading images of flooding from other states and countries in a bid to create false impressions about the flood situation in the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, raised the alarm on Sunday, describing the trend as a deliberate attempt to politicise flooding and undermine public confidence in the government’s response to environmental challenges.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Wahab said the government had observed with concern the circulation of flood visuals from outside Lagos, which he said were falsely presented as incidents within the state.

“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,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the state government continuously monitors developments across Lagos and promptly responds to reports and complaints received through various media platforms.

He, however, expressed concern that some content creators deliberately publish false or misleading information merely to generate online engagement, warning that such actions distract from genuine cases requiring urgent government intervention.

“It is deeply concerning that 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 stated.

He urged residents and stakeholders to approach issues affecting Lagosians with responsibility, stressing that accurate information is critical to effective disaster response and the development of sustainable solutions.

While reaffirming the government’s respect for freedom of expression and democratic participation, Wahab emphasised that those rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.

He called on the public to verify information before sharing it and to ensure that public discourse remains civil and focused on the collective interest of Lagos residents.

The commissioner also singled out social media user Nedu (@Hhonor_), accusing him of sharing a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, and portraying it as an incident in Lagos.

“Using your handle to spread misinformation by sharing a photograph of the Accra flood and presenting it as an incident in Lagos is both disingenuous and misleading. We encourage you to verify information before sharing it, as the dissemination of falsehoods only misleads the public and undermines genuine efforts to address real issues,” Wahab said.