{
  "id": 11697352,
  "title": "Benue Justice Commissioner urges journalists to shun fake news",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/benue-justice-commissioner-urges-journalists-to-shun-fake-news",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T13:40:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/03/benue-justice-commissioner-urges-journalists-to-shun-fake-news/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Benue State Commissioner for Justice, Prof Timothy Ornguga, has urged journalists to refrain from disseminating false information and avoiding manipulation by politicians through monetary incentives. During a recent conversation with local reporters in the capital Makurdi, Prof Ornguga expressed concern over the prevailing trend of falsehoods and fabrication of news, particularly aimed at tarnishing the government's image and its officials, including court rulings. He emphasized that the practice of spreading fake news via social media platforms was not acceptable, and it was the duty of responsible journalists to counteract such falsehoods by providing the public with accurate information. Prof Ornguga urged journalists to verify facts by visiting government ministries and relevant agencies before publishing any content, highlighting that truthful reporting is crucial for public awareness. He also expressed gratitude to journalists in Benue State, acknowledging their role in ensuring that all residents of the state receive justice, irrespective of their political allegiance, religious beliefs, or business interests.",
  "summary": "The Benue State Commissioner for Justice, Prof Timothy Ornguga, has charged journalists to desist from spreading fake news and avoid being used by politicians through financial inducement. He gave the advice on Friday during a chat with journalists in Makurdi. Prof Ornguga lamented that people had developed a habit of telling lies and peddling fake news, especially […] Benue Justice Commissioner…",
  "key_points": [
    "Benue Justice Commissioner urges journalists to avoid fake news",
    "Prof Timothy Ornguga concerned about falsehoods and fabrication",
    "Verifying facts from government sources before publishing crucial"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}