**Fake News Fuels Violence in Mexico: Lessons for Nigeria** The recent killing of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, the leader of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has sparked a wave of violence across 20 states. But what's more alarming is the role of disinformation in exacerbating the chaos. In this digital age, fake news has become a potent tool for those who seek to spread fear, chaos, and propaganda. In the aftermath of "El Mencho's" death, social media platforms were flooded with fake images and videos created using artificial intelligence. These deceitful images showed buildings in flames, vandalized businesses, and other scenes of destruction that didn't actually occur. The goal was to create panic and misinformation, and it worked. Many Nigerians can relate to the devastating impact of fake news, which can spread like wildfire on social media. According to fact-checkers in Mexico, these fake images and videos were shared over 38,500 times on social media. Behind this digital mobilization were accounts tied to the CJNG, which used disinformation to magnify the chaos. Other "opportunistic" accounts also jumped on the bandwagon, using the situation to promote their own agendas. This is a worrying trend that has implications for Nigeria. Our country is not immune to the spread of fake news, which can have serious consequences, including fueling violence and destabilizing our fragile democratic processes. In a country where social media is a significant source of news and information, it's essential that we develop robust fact-checking mechanisms and promote media literacy to counter the spread of disinformation. The Mexican experience also highlights the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for the content that's shared on their platforms. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of fake news in Nigeria, we must also consider the role of technology companies in preventing the spread of disinformation. Ultimately, the spread of disinformation is a symptom of a larger problem: the erosion of trust in institutions and the manipulation of public opinion. To address this issue, we need a multi-faceted approach that involves government, civil society, and the private sector working together to promote fact-based information and media literacy.