A viral video showing a school-age girl smoking what appears to be cannabis, cheered on by other teenagers, has stirred widespread concern across Nigeria.
The footage, circulated extensively on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, raised alarm among parents and education stakeholders, with many assuming the disturbing incident occurred in a Nigerian school.
But the Nigeria Police Force has clarified that early findings point to the video originating from Zimbabwe, not Nigeria. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the police, analysis of the video revealed several clues indicating its foreign origin. Most notably, the individuals in the clip were heard speaking English and Shona—a language spoken in Zimbabwe and parts of southern Africa. Investigators noted the absence of Nigerian languages or recognizable local accents.
Further scrutiny showed the clip was first posted on the Instagram account @rusape_celebs_tv, which is reportedly based in Rusape, a town in Zimbabwe. The caption accompanying the initial upload was also written in Shona, strengthening the claim that the incident occurred outside Nigeria.
The police cautioned the public against spreading unverified content, especially when such material could cause panic or damage reputations. They advised Nigerians to verify sources before sharing sensitive information online.
The Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public trust and maintaining clarity in matters of public interest.
