Immediately the information went out, security agencies including the Joint Task Force (JTF), the Department of State Security (DSS), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), policemen from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo, were deployed to the area. Also deployed were helicopters to assist the security agencies in aerial coverage, searches and surveillance as they scoured the entire area bordering the supposed attack scene. The message, which went viral on different social media platforms, claimed the sect had invaded the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and unleashed untold mayhem on motorists first and then the policemen who had responded to the distress call.
The message read in part: "If you are on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway going towards Ibadan… please turn back… 18 suspected Boko Haram members with AK47 riffles are on the highway now displaying their skills.
"At the last count, 20 policemen and 11 civilians have been confirmed dead by this gunmen while trying to stop them from the shooting… Please rebroadcast to save lives. May God help us in Nigeria!!!"
As expected, the message sent shivers down the spine of all and caused serious traffic snarl on the expressway, which as at press time was yet to abate.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South-west, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said: "I heard the rumour this morning but it turned out to be false. Already, we had alerted the security agencies to muster at the alleged point of massacre.
"Hours after combing the length and breadth of the expressway, police and soldiers found nothing. It is a complete lie, which is unfounded. Security agencies have combed all the routes and beyond without any trace of such incidents.
"Mischief makers broadcasting this evil machination are strongly warned to desist from circulating unfounded messages in the country. The public should disregard and discourage further circulation of such inciting messages against the nation."
Also, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the purported attack was merely a rumour started by mischief makers.
She said: "What actually happened was that a trailer conveying wheat to Lagos between Idiwo and Ogunmakin in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, fell with all the contents littering the expressway.
"When the trailer fell, area boys rushed to the place to ferment trouble, but the police came to the scene and salvage the situation. There was no Boko Haram attack whatsoever."
She said since the fallen truck laden with goods had obstructed movement on the road, the police was working with other agencies to clear the obstruction and allow free flow of traffic.
Also, her Ogun State counterpart, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, decried the rumours making the rounds particularly on social media about the supposed massacre of policemen and civilians.
He said: "There is no iota of truth in it, and it is just a rumour making the rounds on social media. Nothing of such attack has happened along the expressway, or any part of Ogun State. It is the handiwork of mischief makers to put fear in the minds of people.
"The rumour mongers misunderstood the presence of police and other security officers at a point on the expressway, where a truck loaded with wheat, fell across the road.
"They thought the presence of security officers was as a result of an attack. We urge the general public to disregard the rumour and go about their lawful business of the day."
Culled from Thisday
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