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The Oyo State Police Command has debunked claims of a bandit attack in Ogbomosho that emerged on Tuesday.
A video showing residents of Ogbomosho and schoolchildren fleeing the streets went viral on Tuesday, prompting claims of an attack in the town.
Panic spread across parts of Ogbomosho and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, following rumours alleging that armed bandits had attacked the area and invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School, Ogbomosho.
The spokesperson for the police command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement issued on Tuesday, assured the public that no such attack occurred, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Olayinka said police operatives were deployed to the scene to ascertain the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
PRESS RELEASE
FALSE ALARM OVER ALLEGED BANDIT ATTACK IN OGBOMOSO AND AJAAWA: OYO POLICE RESTORE CALM, WARN AGAINST FAKE NEWS AND MISINFORMATION
The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that normalcy has been fully restored in Ogbomoso and adjoining… pic.twitter.com/7C2MnxSXAo
— Oyo State Police Command (@OyoPoliceNG) May 19, 2026
“Upon arrival at the location, operatives met with the school principal, Mrs Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm originated from information allegedly circulated among some students who claimed to have seen unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence. This naturally raised suspicion among some teachers and students, prompting immediate concern within the school environment,” the spokesperson said.
According to him, an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, heightening suspicion within the school premises. Some students then spread claims to neighbouring schools and surrounding communities, escalating panic and tension across parts of Ogbomosho and Ajaawa Town before the actual facts of the incident were established.
Credit: BusinessDay.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that those involved included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command in Ilorin, alongside two civilians who were found in a Toyota Venza SUV.
Olayinka said they explained that they had visited one of the women among them to celebrate her birthday.
He also assured residents of Ogbomosho of an increased security presence in the community and urged the public to refrain from spreading fake news, misinformation, and unverified security reports that could cause unnecessary panic and tension.
“Consequently, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that there was no bandit attack, invasion, or any form of security breach in the affected areas as falsely portrayed,” he added.
“In response to the situation, patrols and visibility policing around the affected communities were immediately intensified, while critical stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents and restore public confidence. The area remains peaceful, and normal academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed.”
