The Imota Local Council Development Area and management of GBEDU 100.1FM have reassured residents that Imota remains peaceful and secure following the circulation of a viral video and a radio broadcast alleging that two schoolgirls were killed during a bandit attack on a primary school in the community.

The false report, which sparked concern among residents and parents on Monday, claimed that armed bandits had invaded a public school in Imota and killed two pupils.

The claim gained traction after it was aired during a live phone-in segment on GBEDU 100.1FM and subsequently circulated on social media.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Sunday Ayodele, issued a Monday statement describing the report as “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.

The council chairman expressed concern over the growing spread of unverified information capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.

According to him, similar incidents across the country have shown that many viral reports are often recycled, taken out of context, or completely fabricated.

He urged residents to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified content, stressing that citizens should rely on official sources and security agencies for information relating to 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 stated.

Meanwhile, GBEDU 100.1FM has issued a formal apology, admitting that the report was broadcast without adequate verification.

In a statement signed by the station’s Chairman and Programmes Director, Dayo Ajiteru, the management explained that the misinformation originated from calls received during a live phone-in programme.

“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 said it immediately conducted checks 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 further read.

The radio station acknowledged the fear and anxiety the report may have caused among parents, students, and residents and accepted responsibility for the lapse in 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 appealed to residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, reaffirming its commitment to accurate and responsible journalism. (The PUNCH)

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