Police debunk bandit scare in Oke-Oyi, warn against false security alerts

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has debunked reports alleging the presence of bandits in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area, describing the information as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

The command disclosed that at about 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, it received reports of panic and commotion around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, following claims that suspected bandits had invaded the school premises. In response, the divisional police officer of Oke-Oyi Division swiftly mobilised personnel to the area to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff and residents.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin. She explained that the police immediately launched an assessment of the situation upon receiving the report.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the alarm originated from a woman who reportedly rushed into the school premises claiming that bandits had arrived in the community. The unverified claim triggered panic among students and teachers, leading to a temporary disruption of academic activities.

However, the command said its findings confirmed that the report was entirely false and without any factual basis. It stressed that there was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits and no security breach either within the school premises or anywhere in Oke-Oyi and its surrounding communities.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ojo Adekimi, condemned the spread of false security alerts, noting that such misinformation has the potential to create fear, public disorder and unnecessary anxiety among residents. He warned that unverified security reports could also divert security personnel and resources away from genuine emergencies.

The police further disclosed that efforts had commenced to identify the individual responsible for raising the false alarm. The command stated that once identified, the person would be invited for questioning and prosecuted in line with relevant laws governing the dissemination of false information and acts capable of breaching public peace.

While urging residents to remain vigilant, the command advised members of the public to refrain from spreading rumours and to verify security-related information through appropriate channels before sharing it. The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State, assuring residents that adequate security measures remain in place to guarantee public safety.