Online video of violence in Jos false, CDD says
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has said that an online video, especially on twitter, since early October 2018 portraying ongoing sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims in Jos, Plateau State is false and should be discarded.
The CDD Director, Idayat Hassan, said yesterday that using their up to date fact checking technologies, and other innovative methodologies, the CDD team found the video to be an inaccurate portrayal of the reality on the ground.
“CDD fact check clearly shows that the video is an old reportage of violent disturbances in the state in question dating back to January 2011. CDD fake news and misinformation monitors found that the offensive material in question was posted on twitter on October 9, at exactly 11:23 am with the caption; “Underreported Nigeria’s circle of violence report by @France24.
“However, checks by our team of fake news monitors and fact-checkers indicate that the video being widely shared by the activist and social media influencer was originally shot and first published by international broadcaster, France 24 on its YouTube on January 14, 2011.
“The video with ID Number p8qGYRsYXdo being circulated was first posted at exactly 16:42, with the title, “Nigeria: in the name of God.” It is therefore inaccurate to circulate it and give the impression that the violence portrayed in it is currently ongoing,” Hassan said.
According to her, as the 2019 General Elections shape up therefore, the centre urged Nigerians to be vigilant and circumspect with respect to the information posted and shared online.
“This call becomes imperative because the problem of fake news, misinformation and disinformation could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as well as the stability of the country, if not pro-actively nipped in the bud,” she said.
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) is a research and training institute dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa.