The Fear Of Boko Haram Hits Lagos; Helicopter Deployed

There was anxiety in Lagos on Wednesday after news filtered in that suspected Boko Haram members had in a commando style taken over the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, especially the Sagamu axis.

On receiving the information, policemen from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo rushed to Lagos-Ibadan Expresway with helicopters, while the Nigeria Civil Defence as well as the National Emergency Management Agency went to the scene through the road, hoping to save some lives. But on getting to the scene, however, there was no sign of any terrorist attack whatsoever.

News of Boko Haram spread on social media and text messages on Wednesday. The message read:

“Breaking news, if you are on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway going towards Ibadan, please turn back. Eighteen suspected Boko Haram members with AK47 rifles are on the highway now displaying their skills. 

“Nine policemen and 11 civilians have been confirmed dead by the gunmen while trying to stop them from shooting. Please rebroadcast to save a life. May God help us in Nigeria.”

Anyway, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, confirmed that there was a confrontation in the area, but added that it had nothing to do with terrorists.

“In the morning, a truck laden with wheat around Fidiwo Village in Ogun State broke down. Some hoodlums wanted to seize the opportunity to steal some of the goods and there was a confrontation. There was no terrorist attack.”

“We cannot police social media, all we can do is to correct wrong impression, but we want to urge members of the public not to spread falsehood.”

On his part, the Police PRO in Ogun State, Muyiwa Adejobi, said:
“Probably the rumour mongers took in the presence of police and other security agencies at the point to clear the obstruction between Fidiwo and Ogunmakin in Obafemi Owode Local Government and decided that there was something wrong. We urge the public to disregard the rumour.”