Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has dismissed a viral video that purported to show heavy flooding in Lekki, Lagos. The video, which circulated widely on social media on Monday, depicted cars struggling to navigate through floodwaters at the foot of a bridge, leading many to believe it was a scene from the upscale Lagos neighborhood following a heavy downpour.
Commissioner Sets the Record Straight
In a statement posted on his official social media handle, Wahab clarified that the flooding did not occur in Lagos but in Bangladesh. He cautioned social media users against using false images to push a narrative that the state is heavily flooded. The commissioner emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, warning that such actions could undermine the efforts of the Lagos State Government and discredit genuine complaints from residents.
Wahab wrote: “While we acknowledge and respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, it is important to recognize that every right comes with corresponding responsibilities and legal limits. The deliberate dissemination of false information and misleading narratives not only undermines the efforts of the Lagos State Government but also diminishes the credibility of genuine complaints raised by well-meaning residents. Dear Scrummy, The flood video you shared and attributed to Lagos State is actually from Bangladesh. We kindly encourage you to verify the authenticity and origin of such content before sharing it, as the dissemination of inaccurate information can mislead the public and undermine genuine discussions about issues affecting Lagos. Thank you for your understanding.”
Background of the Viral Video
The video, which was shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user named Scrummy, showed cars barely moving as floodwaters rose to near-windshield levels at a bridge underpass. The post quickly gained traction, with many users expressing concern over flooding in Lekki, a coastal area known for its upscale real estate and frequent flooding issues. However, the Lagos State Government has been proactive in addressing drainage and flood control in recent years, making the claim of such severe flooding unlikely.
Wahab’s response highlights a growing problem of misinformation on social media, where unverified visuals are often used to stoke panic or discredit authorities. The commissioner urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate information and to report any flooding incidents through the state’s emergency lines.
