The Ondo State Police Command has issued a warning regarding the alarming increase in false information circulating on social media as the gubernatorial election approaches.
In a statement posted on its X page on Monday, the police noted a troubling trend of old videos and misleading content being shared to incite unrest within the community.
One such instance involves a video depicting flooding in Ore from August 2013, which has been irresponsibly circulated by individuals with unclear motives.
The police emphasised that such actions are not only misleading but also pose significant risks, particularly during this critical electoral period.
The spread of misinformation, the police said can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardize public safety, and threaten the integrity of democracy.
Ultimately, they added that these actions deprive citizens of a fair environment to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities.
“In a similar event, a story alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko was found to be false, as confirmed by the Divisional Police Officer who visited the morgue.”
The police highlighted the necessity of verifying information before sharing or reposting it, emphasising that constructive engagement is vital for promoting a peaceful environment during this crucial period in the state’s history.
They also urged citizens to critically evaluate the information they come across and to remain vigilant.
