The Nigeria Police Force has issued an official response following the circulation of a troubling video that has recently gone viral on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The footage shows a young school-aged girl smoking what appears to be cannabis, while being encouraged by a group of her peers.
The video has sparked widespread concern across Nigeria, with many viewers assuming that the incident took place within a Nigerian school. Parents, educators, and members of the public have expressed anxiety over the disturbing scene and its implications for youth behavior.
However, the Nigeria Police Force has clarified that a preliminary investigation suggests the video did not originate in Nigeria. Multiple indicators point to Zimbabwe as the likely source of the video.
Key evidence includes the languages spoken in the footage—English and Shona. Shona is a language primarily spoken in Zimbabwe and parts of southern Africa. There are no Nigerian languages or recognizable Nigerian accents heard in the video. Additionally, the original post containing the video featured a caption written in Shona and was first shared on the Instagram account @rusape_celebs_tv, which is known to operate out of Rusape, a town in Zimbabwe.
The Nigeria Police urges the public to avoid spreading unverified or misleading content, especially when it involves minors or sensitive subject matter. Sharing unconfirmed information can cause unnecessary panic and damage the reputations of individuals, institutions, and communities.
The Force calls on all citizens to verify information before dissemination and to use social media responsibly. Efforts to promote accurate reporting and online accountability are essential for maintaining public trust and protecting vulnerable groups.
