- The Bauchi State Government has officially dismissed widespread social media reports claiming that Governor Bala Mohammed approved a fixed dowry rate of ₦1,500 for divorced women.
- Officials clarified that no policy or directive has ever been issued regarding marriage dowries or marital arrangements in the state, describing the viral video as completely baseless.
- Citizens and social media users have been urged to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of stirring public tension and undermining the cultural values of the state.
The Bauchi State Government has issued an official clarification firmly debunking a viral social media rumor alleging that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed approved a standardized dowry of ₦1,500 for divorced women.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the government described the reports, which gained traction across digital platforms including TikTok and Facebook, as entirely false, malicious, and a deliberate campaign designed to misinform the public and generate unnecessary tension across local communities.
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Addressing members of the press in Bauchi on Sunday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Engineer Muhammad Binni Abdulkadir, addressed the circulating contents directly.
The commissioner noted that the deceptive video falsely claimed that the traditional ruler of Zar (Gum Zar) had directed local residents to comply with the alleged government mandate.
Additionally, state authorities drew attention to related fabrications by a social media user identified as Boroh James Hussaini.
The user had falsely alleged that the state established a dowry fee of ₦3,000 for single mothers and planned to forcibly marry off long-unmarried women to commercial drivers free of charge.
The state government categorized all such assertions as complete fabrications without an ounce of truth.
Engineer Binni reassured residents that Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration holds deep respect for the established religious beliefs, marital customs, and cultural heritage of the diverse populations within Bauchi State.
He reaffirmed that marital arrangements and dowry obligations remain strictly governed by religious guidelines and traditional norms, which the state executive branch has no intention of altering or interfering with through government decree.
The commissioner further emphasized the growing threat posed by digital misinformation and sensationalism on popular video-sharing applications.
He cautioned social media users against acting as conduits for fake news, warning that disseminating unverified claims could erode social harmony and tarnish the reputation of traditional institutions.
In recent times, state governments across Nigeria have increasingly faced coordinated fake news campaigns on social media platforms.
These fabrications often exploit sensitive socio-cultural and religious matters to drive online engagement or provoke disaffection.
By swiftly addressing the viral footage, the Bauchi State Government aims to reassure citizens, protect traditional leadership structures, and maintain social peace throughout the state.
Members of the public are advised to seek official updates regarding state policies exclusively through verified government channels, official press releases, and established media outlets.
