Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has called on Nigerians to verify videos and images related to kidnappings and killings before sharing them on social media.
Onanuga made the appeal while reacting to comments by comedian and social media personality DeeOne regarding the circulation of graphic content allegedly linked to recent insecurity incidents in Nigeria.
The presidential spokesman stressed the importance of verifying information before dissemination, warning that the spread of unverified images and videos could fuel misinformation and unnecessary panic.
His reaction followed a video in which DeeOne cautioned Nigerians against sharing misleading content, particularly materials falsely presented as evidence of attacks on schoolchildren and kidnapping victims.
According to the comedian, many of the viral images and videos being circulated online are unrelated to incidents in Nigeria.
“90 percent of all these kidnapping and killing are fake news and many of these celebrities that started it know, they have been paid by opposition,” DeeOne claimed.
He urged Nigerians to focus on verified information regarding genuine security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
“People were kidnapped in Oyo State, let us focus on the real information. Now they are spreading a lot of fake news just to cause unrest. Look at these pictures, all the celebrities are talking about it and it’s not Nigeria,” he said.
Responding via X, Onanuga echoed the call for caution and responsible use of social media.
“Nigerians, stop spreading pictures and videos without verifying. We only have one Nigeria,” he wrote.
The comments come amid heightened public concern over insecurity following recent kidnappings, attacks on communities and the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Security experts and media professionals have repeatedly urged citizens to verify information from credible sources before sharing content online, noting that misinformation can complicate security operations, spread fear and undermine public trust.
The latest appeal highlights growing concerns about the role of social media in amplifying unverified reports during periods of national tension and security challenges.
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