Police dismiss reports of Lukarawa terrorists entering Oyo
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video alleging that about 300 suspected Lukarawa terrorists have moved into the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan, assuring residents that there is no security threat associated with the claim.
According to the statement, a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification conducted by the command revealed that the video was deliberately fabricated to create fear, panic and unnecessary tension among members of the public.
The police said findings from the forensic review showed that the voice-over accompanying the video, purportedly attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, had previously been linked to false security alerts that were investigated and debunked.
The command added that intelligence gathered from operatives across border communities, as well as information obtained through its strengthened early warning and response mechanisms, found no evidence to support the allegation.
It further disclosed that a joint verification exercise conducted with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the information contained in the viral video was entirely unfounded.
Investigations also established that the footage being circulated was neither recorded in Nigeria nor connected to any recent incident, reinforcing the conclusion that it was intended to mislead the public and generate unnecessary anxiety.
The command further warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public peace and security, stressing that anyone found disseminating false information to incite panic or disrupt public order would be investigated and prosecuted. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official security agencies.
