By Viral Video of Schoolgirl Smoking
Nigeria Police say footage likely from Zimbabwe
Summary
- Viral video showing a schoolgirl smoking is not from Nigeria, police say
- Investigation links footage to Zimbabwe based on language and original source
- Public urged to verify information before sharing to avoid misinformation
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the origins of a disturbing viral video circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, showing a school-aged girl smoking what appears to be cannabis while being cheered on by her peers.
Contrary to initial claims suggesting the incident occurred in a Nigerian school, police investigations reveal that the footage most likely originated in Zimbabwe.
According to a statement released by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, a preliminary analysis of the video found no traces of Nigerian languages or accents. Instead, the individuals in the video were heard speaking English and Shona, the latter being a widely spoken language in Zimbabwe.
The video, reportedly first uploaded by the Instagram account @rusape_celebs_tv, based in Rusape, Zimbabwe, and captioned in Shona, had sparked widespread concern and condemnation from Nigerian parents and educators, many of whom feared it reflected growing indiscipline among schoolchildren in the country.
The police, however, emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing, warning that the spread of unverified content can cause unnecessary panic and tarnish reputations.
“We urge members of the public to verify the authenticity of social media content before sharing, especially when it involves sensitive issues like underage substance use,” said ACP Adejobi.
The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and calm public anxiety while reinforcing the need for media literacy and cautious online behavior.
