By Fred Nwonwu
Usually, it needs an element of truth, an existing fear, a deeply held belief, a receptive audience, among others.
For the fake news that the water in the Lagos Lagoon is almost touching the superstructure of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the valid concern of possible flooding in a coastal city such as Lagos was the catalyst.
Also, the Lagos State government had warned residents, especially those living along the coast and near the River Ogun, to be on alert.
Release of excess water from the Oyan River Dam in Ogun State and higher tide level were the reasons the caution.
Amid these valid warnings from the government, alarmists, including celebrities, created fear by spreading the false story that the water in the Lagos Lagoon has risen to a level that is scary.
Using misleading photos & videos, they sold a misleading narrative.
Simple analysis of the videos & photos confirmed that they don’t show what the people who filmed they claimed they are seeing, especially since the videos/images didn’t give context.
I took a short trip to 3rd Mainland Bridge to see with my eyes and do a simple fack-check story on these false claims that have gone viral.
The hope is that while people — especially those who live in flood-prone areas — remain alert; we get ahead of fake news and ensure the public knows the truth, always.
My fact-check story on this false claim is published in 4 languages. See links in comment.