Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s foremost airlines, has categorically dismissed as false and malicious, claims circulating on social media about a purported crash involving one of its aircraft in the Western Sahara region.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, made this clear in a statement made available to Truth Live News on Friday in Lagos, describing the allegations as “a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and tarnish the impeccable safety record of Air Peace.”
The viral posts, shared on social media platforms on December 26, alleged that the crash resulted in 50 fatalities, including the death of a prominent individual. According to Ndiulo, the accompanying images were AI-generated and bore no relation to real events.
“We categorically state that this information is false and malicious,” the statement read. “The author of this post has a history of disseminating false and alarming information about non-existent tragic incidents. This deliberate action aims to sow panic and mislead the public.”
The incident highlights growing concerns over the spread of fake news, especially when it targets industries where public trust is paramount, such as aviation. False reports of accidents can cause unnecessary panic, harm corporate reputations, and even impact the economy. For an airline, whose operations rely on customer confidence, such claims can lead to reduced patronage, operational disruptions, and unwarranted scrutiny from regulators.
To curb such malicious acts, industry stakeholders are increasingly calling for tighter regulations on content shared on digital platforms. However, this raises questions about the balance between free speech and accountability.
Governments and industry players could advocate for stricter enforcement of cybercrime laws, including the prosecution of individuals who knowingly disseminate false information.
Platforms may also be required to implement advanced AI tools to detect and flag false narratives before they go viral.
Public awareness campaigns emphasizing media literacy and the importance of verifying news from credible sources could serve as a long-term solution.
Dr. Ndiulo urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate updates, noting that Air Peace remains committed to maintaining its exemplary safety record.