Bayo Onanuga Warns Against Fake News as presidency aide urges Nigerians to verify school attack videos before sharing online
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against the circulation of unverified videos and images relating to alleged school killings and kidnappings, urging the public to prioritise accuracy before sharing content online.
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Onanuga made the appeal on Tuesday via a post on X, where he cautioned citizens to verify sensitive information before amplifying it on social media.
The presidential aide stressed that misinformation could fuel unnecessary panic and deepen national tensions.
Bayo Onanuga Warns Against Fake News amid growing concerns over the rapid spread of disturbing visuals online, some of which have been linked to unrelated events or misrepresented incidents.
His reaction followed a viral post by Nigerian comedian DeeOne, who had shared images and videos allegedly depicting schoolchildren being killed.
The content quickly sparked widespread reactions before questions emerged over its authenticity.
DeeOne, in his post, also urged Nigerians to be cautious, warning against the circulation of false information that could inflame public emotions or distort ongoing security discussions in the country.
Responding to the development, Onanuga wrote: “Nigerians, stop spreading pictures and videos without verifying. We only have one Nigeria.”
The statement reflects growing concern within government circles over the influence of social media in shaping public perception during sensitive national security issues, particularly those involving children and schools.
Bayo Onanuga Warns Against Fake News also comes at a time when authorities are seeking to balance transparency with the need to prevent misinformation from escalating fear among citizens.
Security analysts have repeatedly cautioned that unverified content can complicate response efforts, mislead the public and undermine trust in official communication channels.
The presidency has continued to encourage responsible digital behaviour, urging Nigerians to rely on credible sources and official updates before sharing distressing or potentially misleading material.
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As debates over online responsibility continue, Onanuga’s message underscores a broader government push for digital accountability in an increasingly fast moving information space.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
