Police debunk bandit attack rumour in Ogbomoso, trace panic to NSCDC officer’s visit

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the cause of Tuesday morning panic that spread across Ogbomoso, Ajaawa, and neighbouring communities in Oyo State, stating that there was no bandit invasion as widely rumoured.

The confusion, which triggered fear among residents and school authorities, was linked to an incident involving an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and two civilians who were found within the premises of a school in the area.

Residents had earlier reported tension following claims that armed bandits invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School in Ogbomoso and abducted some students, a rumour that quickly spread across social media and nearby communities, including Ajaawa.

According to the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, police surveillance and patrol teams were immediately deployed to the area to verify the reports and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Preliminary findings showed that the alarm originated within the school after some students reported sighting unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence.

The information, though unverified, raised suspicion among staff and students, leading to heightened tension within the school environment.

The school principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, informed investigators that the initial concern stemmed from hearsay among students, which quickly escalated into panic within the school community.

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Further investigation revealed that the individuals at the centre of the incident were an NSCDC officer attached to the Kwara State Command in Ilorin and two civilians, who arrived at the location in a Toyota Venza SUV.

The police spokesperson explained that the trio stated they were in the area for a personal visit to celebrate a birthday and had no criminal intent. Their identities were subsequently verified after contact was made with relevant NSCDC authorities in Ogbomoso.

However, the situation escalated briefly after an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, further fuelling suspicion. This development contributed to the rapid spread of rumours to nearby schools and surrounding communities, including Ajaawa, leading to widespread panic.

DSP Olayinka confirmed that despite the alarm, no evidence of a bandit attack or security breach was found in Ogbomoso or its environs.

“Consequently, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that there was no bandit attack, invasion, or any form of security breach in the affected areas as falsely portrayed,” he said.

He added that normal activities have since resumed across the affected communities, while the security situation remains calm and under control.

Following the incident, the police intensified patrols and visibility policing in Ogbomoso and surrounding areas to reassure residents and prevent further panic. Stakeholders were also engaged to restore public confidence.

The command cautioned residents against the spread of unverified information, especially on social media, warning that misinformation could destabilise public peace and trigger unnecessary fear.

“The Command therefore strongly warns against the deliberate spread of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security reports capable of causing unnecessary panic, heightening tension, and undermining public peace,” Olayinka said.

He further noted that individuals found guilty of spreading false information intended to incite fear or public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.