Lagos police debunk viral bandit invasion claims, arrest 15 over mob killing
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading viral social media reports alleging that armed bandits have invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State, targeting schools and children.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said it had seen “some viral social media posts and accompanying graphic material falsely alleging that Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State are under invasion by armed bandits targeting schools and children.”
The Command stated that “the claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents.”
According to the police, “there is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.”
The statement reassured residents that “schools across the state remain safe,” adding that the police and other security agencies continue to maintain “adequate security presence and surveillance in all communities.”
However, the Command disclosed that the spread of the false information had already resulted in a fatal incident.
“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life,” the statement said.
Police identified the victim as Kulaha Ayuba, a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, who was allegedly attacked by youths who, “acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him.”
