The Buy and Sell Association in Badagry West Local Council Development Area has tendered unreserved apology to two residents, Mr. Tanpinu Samuel and Mr. Francisco Sewedo, over a false accusation of fuel theft earlier circulated on Facebook.
Mr Aloya Segbenu, the Acting Coordinator of the association, said it was an error and pleaded with the concerned individuals over the false publication.
The misunderstanding occurred on Oct. 8, after two 25-litre kegs of fuel were found by the roadside near the Kankon area, close to the Badagry West LCDA Secretariat.
Segbenu said that after thorough investigation, the association had find out that the men involved had only discovered the fuel and immediately handed it over to personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in Ahanve, Badagry.
The officer reportedly took their photographs in appreciation for their honesty and willingness to return the recovered items.
“However, members of the Buy and Sell Association had, in error, went online to allege that the fuel was stolen by the two individuals.
“The claim, whoever, sparked brief tension until clarification was made at the APA Police Post, where the matter was officially reported,” he said.
When newsmen visited the police post on Thursday, representatives of the association admitted to wrong information dissemination, confirming that the accused persons were innocent and had acted responsibly.
The acting coordinator said “We discovered the information shared earlier was wrong.
“They were not involved in any theft; instead, they did the right thing by returning the fuel to the Air Force.
We sincerely regret the embarrassment caused”.
The association has since withdrawn the false report and appealed to the public to disregard the earlier post.
