The Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted widespread claims of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and its environs, labeling the incident as a false alarm fueled by misinformation and panic.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command confirmed that normalcy has returned to Ogbomoso and neighboring areas, including Ajaawa Town, following rumors about suspected armed bandits near Are-Ago High School.
According to authorities, the unverified reports caused anxiety among locals, prompting immediate deployment of patrol and surveillance teams to the location to assess the situation and prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the scare originated from unsubstantiated claims shared among students, who reported seeing unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence. This sparked fear among students and staff, rapidly spreading panic across adjacent schools and communities.
Further inquiries by security personnel disclosed that the individuals involved included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) assigned to the Kwara State Command, along with two civilians. The trio had visited a female acquaintance in the area to celebrate her birthday.
Tension escalated after an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, while unconfirmed rumors circulating within the community further heightened anxiety before the true circumstances were clarified.
The police emphasized that there was no bandit invasion, attack, or security breach in Ogbomoso or surrounding communities, adding that academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed as usual.
Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting security agencies with accurate and credible information.
He also cautioned against the spread of fake news and unverified security alerts, warning that individuals found circulating false information capable of causing panic or public disorder will face investigation and potential prosecution under the law.
The command advised the public to rely solely on official communication channels for security-related updates and to avoid sharing rumors that could disrupt peace and public safety.