The Lagos State Government has on Saturday reacted to some circulated videos on social media which according to the government is encouraging ethnic conflicts in the state.
In a statement issued by Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, he described the state as the melting point of various cultures, tribes and religions across Nigeria adding that people of the state have co-existed harmoniously for ages and will continue to live together peacefully.
Omotosho stated that the sad incident of the past few days affected everyone who lives, trades or works in Lagos, regardless of their tribe, culture, race and religion adding that it is a time for residents to empathise with one another and not listen to peddlers of fake news especially on social media.
The commissioner reiterates government’s commitment to protecting lives and property as he warned that fake news and inciting message merchants should stop their evil enterprise or face the legal consequences.
In a related development, the state government said its attention has been drawn to a publication by the Guardian Newspapers on Thursday, 22nd of October 2020, claiming that the Lagos State Government website was hacked.
According to the government, over the past few days, the flow of misinformation on social media and other channels have been alarming, and this has put the security of residents at immense risk.
However, the Commissioner for Ministry of Science and Technology, Hakeem P. Fahm assured Lagosians that the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety of lives and property of its citizens and that of the State.