A viral video claims to show a “child market” between Congo and Gabon where parents allegedly sell their children. But is this true?

In this episode of WABMA Fake News Debunker (Ep. 116), we carefully examine the footage, verify available evidence, and separate fact from fiction.

🔍 What we investigated:

• The viral video and its visual details
• Reports from credible international media
• Data from global child-protection organizations
• Any evidence of a “child market” in the Congo–Gabon region

❌ Our Verdict: FALSE
There is no verified evidence that such a market exists. The viral video does not prove child trafficking and has been shared without proper context.

⚠️ Why this matters:
Misinformation like this spreads fear, reinforces harmful stereotypes, and distracts from real child protection issues.

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✴️ Ep.116–WABMA Fake News Debunker;

💥 Does Viral Video Show a Market Between Congo and Gabon Where Parents Sell Their Children?

A viral video claims to show a “child market” between Congo and Gabon where parents allegedly sell their children. But is this true? —

Let’s look at the facts. 👀
👇
https://youtu.be/3Qfny74QhC0

🙏Pls. Watch, like & subscribe to our channel! WABMA, in collaboration with media professionals, continues the fight against fake news and misinformation across social and traditional media.

FMI: Visit our website for more verified insights: projectfactchecknigeria.org
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#Congo, #Gabon, #HumanTrafficking, #StopFakeNews, #ContentCreators, #NewsAnalysis

A troubling image circulating online shows American YouTube star IShowSpeed wearing a Nigerian jersey. His face appears bruised. The caption is alarming. It claims he was attacked by road gang members in Nigeria while livestreaming along Ikoyi Road, Lagos.
It suggests that visiting Nigeria was unsafe. It paints a picture of chaos.

The post originates from an X account, @iamMrMarfo1. From there, it spreads.

But what really happened?

First, let’s examine the context.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was recently in Lagos. He celebrated his 21st birthday. He surpassed 50 million YouTube subscribers. On December 29, 2025, he launched a 20 country African tour in 28 days. On January 21, he livestreamed from Balogun Market in Lagos Island. Crowds gathered. Security escorted him. The scene was intense but public.

Soon after, posts claimed he had been attacked.
The circulating images appeared to show facial injuries.

WHAT WE CHECKED

We examined the footage. According to reporting by Agence France Presse, the images were doctored. AFP traced the visuals back to specific timestamps in the original livestream. Moments at approximately 4:21:32 and 4:21:36 were manipulated to create the bruised effect.

AFP journalists who were physically present in Lagos during his visit reported that they did not witness any attack. They also heard nothing to suggest that an assault occurred. The altered images did not only appear in English. They spread in French, Arabic, Spanish, Hausa, and Zulu.

WHAT WE FOUND

It is important to note that IShowSpeed has faced disruptions during other international visits.
In Algeria, he was struck by thrown water bottles during a football match. In Norway in 2024, he experienced an incident outside a shop.

But those are separate events.

There is no credible evidence that he was attacked in Nigeria. No verified report. No confirmed injury. No authenticated footage. The viral image was manipulated.

Verdict: False.

When dramatic images circulate, especially those that inflame fear or damage reputations, verify before sharing.

Screenshots can be altered.
Livestreams can be edited.
Context matters.

This claim does not hold.