Kogiflame
A viral video claiming an armed attack on the prestigious Riverpark Estate in the Lugbe axis of Abuja was underway at Riverpark Estate in Abuja earlier on Saturday the 20th initially sent shockwaves through the community, but the truth behind the incident is far less dramatic – and far more disturbing.
Residents, grappling with the fallout of the hoax, are now calling for increased vigilance, responsible social media use, and a renewed focus on shared responsibility for security.
The video, titled “Gunmen At Riverpark Estate Right Now,” sparked panic among residents and beyond.
However, a resident Moses Okezie-Okafor, a lawyer present at the police station during the subsequent investigation, revealed the shocking truth: the supposed victim, who didn’t even live in the Estate, orchestrated an elaborate scheme to scam money from his friend, a Riverpark resident.
Mr. Okezie-Okafor’s detailed account, shared on social media, painted a picture of irresponsibility and even criminality by the perpetrator.
From the account of the arrested persons, including the alleged ‘victim’, he had disappeared for days, checked into a hotel with a female companion, and claimed abduction by captors who were demanding money.
His friend, believing the story, invited the ‘captors’ who turned out to be two young men – a taxi driver and his friend – to collect the ransom at the Estate entrance.
Once they agreed and were en route, he quickly reported the matter to the Riverpark Division of the Nigerian Police which set up an ambush for the suspected kidnappers, resulting in the scene captured in the video.
‘The person that filmed this and shared it should be identified and cautioned. Rubbish!” exclaimed Niyi, another resident, reflecting the anger and frustration many felt at the irresponsible spread of misinformation.
Mr. Tunde echoed this sentiment, highlighting the wider damage caused by the hoax: ‘The Estate Management needs to publish its findings and reassurance message on social media too to quell the reputational damage that dis-information is causing to our prestigious Estate!’
Oghale, another resident, focused on the potential consequences of such actions: ‘The lives of others should not be put at risk because you want to resolve a personal issue. There are different stories flying around and the image of this estate has been tarnished.’
Mr. Okezie-Okafor’s call for unity and shared responsibility resonated with many. “Remember, security is everyone’s responsibility,” he wrote. “This incident serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of trust, critical thinking, and collective action in maintaining a secure and thriving community.”
While the immediate threat may have been a hoax, the lessons learned from this incident will have long-lasting implications for Riverpark Estate and beyond.
Only through vigilance, responsible action, and a renewed commitment to shared responsibility can communities effectively combat misinformation and maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
The Riverpark Estate hoax exposed vulnerabilities beyond security systems. It revealed the need for trust within the community and the potential for social media to exacerbate panic and damage reputations.
Residents now urge themselves and management to work together to rebuild trust, promote responsible information sharing, and prioritize proactive security measures.
