A Lagos mother at the centre of a viral controversy has come forward to “clear the air” after a video surfaced online allegedly showing her feeding her baby with what many believed to be an alcoholic beverage. “I did not give my child alcohol. It was Coca-Cola inside the Action Bitters sachet!” the mother declared, her voice trembling with emotion as she addressed the growing storm on social media.
The drama began when a short video clip, barely thirty seconds long, was uploaded to social media platforms on Wednesday afternoon.
In the footage, the woman is seen holding her baby and pouring a dark liquid from an Action Bitters sachet—well-known in Nigeria as an alcoholic beverage—directly into the child’s mouth. The video quickly went viral, racking up thousands of shares, comments, and reactions within hours.
Nigerians across the country expressed outrage, with many condemning the act as dangerous and irresponsible. Social media users called for authorities to intervene, and several child advocacy groups demanded immediate action.
The Mother’s Side: A Plea for Understanding
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the mother, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, pleaded for understanding.
“People are quick to judge without knowing the full story,” she said, visibly distressed. “That sachet was just a container. I had washed it and filled it with Coca-Cola because the baby likes to drink from it. There was no alcohol involved.”
She explained that she often reuses empty drink sachets and bottles due to convenience and cost, a common practice in many Nigerian homes.
She insisted that she would never intentionally harm her child and urged the public to stop spreading false information.
Public Reactions: Outrage, Support, and Calls for Caution
The video has divided public opinion. While many remain skeptical of the mother’s explanation, others have rallied to her defense, warning against the dangers of “trial by social media.”
Parenting experts have weighed in, highlighting the need for public education on safe feeding practices for children. “This incident should be a wake-up call for parents everywhere,” said Mrs. Ngozi Okafor, a child welfare advocate.
“We must ensure our children’s safety at all times, but we must also be careful not to jump to conclusions without facts.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has confirmed that an investigation is underway. “We are reviewing the video and speaking with all parties involved to determine the facts,” a ministry spokesperson told our reporter.
Community Voices
Many Lagosians have taken to the streets and radio airwaves to express their views. Some have called for stricter regulations on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, while others have pointed out the economic realities that lead families to reuse packaging.
“This is a lesson for all of us about the power of social media and the importance of verifying facts before spreading information,” said Mr. Tunde Balogun, a local community leader.
Quote of the Day
“In the age of viral videos, let us remember: a single clip does not always tell the whole story.”
As the investigation continues and the debate rages on, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the double-edged sword that is social media. While it can shine a light on important issues, it can also spread misinformation and fuel public outrage before the truth emerges.
