An independent check by FACTWATCH Nigeria has indicated that the viral images alongside the claim that an 18-seater bus carrying Igbo passengers was attacked in Kano on Saturday morning, is MISLEADING.
An X user, @Autopilothomwe, and others have earlier circulated the video on Saturday.
FactWatch Nigeria also observed that this claim has spread on many WhatsApp groups.
However, a Google Image Reverse Search was conducted, and results showed the photos were taken when passengers escaped unhurt from a bus gutted by fire on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in September 2023.
According to a Punch Newspaper report, fourteen passengers inside a commercial bus escaped unhurt as their vehicle was gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday on the long bridge of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
PUNCH gathered that the Toyota Hiace, with number plate AFN117YL, which was headed to Ilorin carrying 14 passengers, and took off from the Ijora motor park in Lagos State, nearly skidded off the road when one of the tires burst, causing it to fall on its side as it hit the sidewalk of the bridge.
Also refuting the claim, the Kano State Police Command on Saturday evening dismissed as false the social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.
Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading.
“The police command reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and promoting harmony among diverse communities.
“An investigation is currently underway to uncover the source of this fake news, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.
“The command urges the public to disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information that can cause harm, panic, and unrest in society,” he said.
