The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged bandit attack in Ogbomoso and adjoining communities, describing the incident as a false alarm caused by misinformation and unverified claims.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, the police said panic spread across parts of Ogbomoso and nearby communities, including Ajaawa Town, following rumours that suspected armed bandits had invaded the area and attacked the vicinity of Are-Ago High School.
According to the statement, the rumours generated fear among residents and students, prompting the immediate deployment of surveillance and patrol teams to assess the situation and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
“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,” the statement said.
Ayanlade explained that officers who responded to the scene met with the school principal, Akanbi Ruth, who disclosed that the alarm started after some students reported sighting unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence.
The police said the report created suspicion among students and teachers before escalating into widespread panic after unverified information spread to neighbouring schools and communities.
According to preliminary investigations, the individuals involved included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command in Ilorin and two civilians travelling in a Toyota Venza SUV.
Police authorities said the visitors explained that they were in the area to celebrate the birthday of the female occupant of the vehicle, while NSCDC authorities in Ogbomoso were contacted to verify the identity and status of the officer.
The Command further disclosed that an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors during the interaction, which heightened suspicion within the school environment and contributed to the spread of the false alarm.
The police added that patrols and visibility policing had since been intensified across the affected communities, while key stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents and restore public confidence.
Authorities confirmed that normal academic, commercial and social activities had fully resumed in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities.
The Command also warned against the deliberate spread of fake news, misinformation and unverified security reports capable of causing unnecessary panic and disrupting public peace.
