Fear swept across Ogbomoso and nearby communities on Monday after rumours of a suspected bandit attack spread rapidly across schools and neighbourhoods.
However, the Oyo State Police Command later confirmed that the alarm was false, calming residents after hours of tension and confusion.
The incident, which triggered panic in parts of Ogbomoso and Ajaawa Town, reportedly began after students raised concerns about unfamiliar individuals seen near Are-Ago High School.
According to the police, the reported Ogbomoso attack never happened. Authorities said the situation was caused by misinformation and fear, which escalated before facts were properly verified.
In a statement released on Monday, the Oyo State Police Command said patrol and surveillance teams were deployed immediately after reports claimed armed bandits had invaded the area.
“Considering the fear and apprehension generated by the report, the Command immediately deployed surveillance and patrol teams to the scene to ascertain the true situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.
Upon arriving at the school, officers reportedly met with the principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, who explained how the panic started among students and teachers.
According to preliminary findings, the individuals seen around the school were not bandits. Instead, they included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Kwara State Command and two civilians travelling in a Toyota Venza SUV.
Police said the visitors had travelled to celebrate the birthday of the female companion among them. However, tension reportedly increased after an argument occurred between some teachers and the visitors.
Consequently, unverified claims began spreading from one school to another. In addition, messages circulated rapidly across nearby communities.
The police stressed that no attack or invasion took place in Ogbomoso or Ajaawa Town.
“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 added.
Furthermore, authorities said visibility policing and patrol operations were intensified to reassure residents and maintain calm across the affected communities.
The Command also warned against the spread of fake news and misleading security reports. According to the police, false information can create unnecessary panic and damage public confidence.
“The dissemination of false information, particularly on security-related matters, has the potential to create avoidable chaos, disrupt socio-economic activities, and negatively affect the collective security efforts being sustained across the state,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing only verified information.
Police also warned that anyone caught deliberately spreading fake security reports could face investigation and prosecution under the law.
For emergencies, residents were advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through toll-free line 615 or the Police Control Room numbers provided by the Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
