Ogun police confirm safety of schools, residents amid bandit attack rumours
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed claims of bandit attacks in the state, assuring residents of their safety and security.
The command was reacting to reports circulating on social media alleging attacks on schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo areas of Ogun State, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the command described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that no such incidents had occurred anywhere in the state.
“The command restates unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities,” the statement read.
The police said officers were deployed to the affected locations to verify the reports and reduce panic generated by the rumours. Findings from the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe and that normal academic, commercial and social activities were ongoing peacefully.
The command also warned against the spread of unverified security information, noting that such reports create unnecessary tension and anxiety among residents.
While clarifying that no kidnappers, terrorists or bandits were arrested, the police disclosed that a recent operation in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, led to the arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire — 19 males and 19 females — who were unable to provide valid immigration or travel documents.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation, while the police urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading false information and verify security-related reports through official channels before sharing them.
