*By Ben Igbokwe*
Following the crisis and confusion that trailed the 2023 Presidential election and delay in the release of results by INEC, it has been observed that some videos, Audio and other inciting materials circulating on some social media platforms purportedly showing some sections of the auto spare parts market in Ladipo Lagos, was allegedly being burnt by some miscreants earlier today, February 27, 2023.
NEXTMONEY findings indicate that Ladipo market is safe, secure and peaceful.
Some operators in the market told NEXTMONEY that “the market is calm, safe peaceful without any disturbance”.
Some of the traders who spoke with NEXTMONEY on condition of unanimous said that the circulating video is false as there is no such incident in the market. “It last year fire incident in Ladipo”, he said. It was observed that the video might have been doctored or manipulated by some mischief makers to amplify the already tensed atmosphere and cause trouble in Lagos.
Reacting, Mr. Jude Nwankwo, President General, Ladipo Market, in a viral video sited by NEXTMONEY, has also come out to debunk the fake video which alleged that Ladipo Market was on fire.
“Today being 27th of February, Monday precisely, I want to use this opportunity to debunk the rumour going round that Ladipo Market is on fire”.
As the President of Ladipo Market, I want to inform all my members and all the people that are concerned, that are calling me to confirm if Ladipo Market is on fire. I want to use this opportunity to tell them that Ladipo Market is calm”.
There is peace in Ladipo Market. Ladipo Market is not on fire. So it’s rumour that Ladipo Market is on fire, Nwankwo assured.
He urged all the traders in the market to remain calm adding that he has called the security apparatus in Lagos State to secure Ladipo Market”.
Similarly, NEXTMONEY finding also showed that the popular Computer village located in Ikeja is peaceful and calm.
Everywhere in the market is calm and dry with very low business activities, said a trade who spoke with NEXTMONEY from the market.
Some Lagosians who spoke with NEXTMONEY expressed the need for Nigerians, especially, residents in Lagos to go extra mile to verify the source and authenticity of messages and other audio-visual materials before posting or sharing such information on various WhatsApp group platforms they may belong or elsewhere including other social media platforms.
It is obvious and understandable that the environment is very tensed and charged at but people would be helping the enemies of the state and mischief makers to create more tension which might consequently help to ignite violence when they share or post some videos and other materials on some social media channels without proper verification and caution.
There is the need for people to be guided and maintain peace. Election will come and go but Nigeria will remain by the grace of God.