False bandit rumours spark mob killing in Lagos as police arrest 15 suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed widespread social media reports alleging that armed bandits had invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, describing the claims as false, misleading and deliberately crafted to cause panic among residents.

The command also revealed that the circulation of the unverified reports had already led to a tragic loss of life, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist who was mistakenly accused of being a bandit and subsequently lynched by a mob.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command reassured residents that there was no security threat, coordinated attack or invasion of any community or educational institution anywhere in Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Police Command categorically states that the claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents,” the statement said.

The police emphasized that schools across the state remain safe and that security agencies have maintained adequate surveillance and operational presence in communities to ensure the safety of residents.

According to the command, reports suggesting that armed groups had taken over communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other locations are entirely untrue.

“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State,” the police stated.

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However, the command disclosed that the spread of the false information had dangerous consequences, culminating in the killing of one Kulaha Ayuba, a commercial motorcycle operator.

Police said Ayuba, aged 24, was wrongly accused by some youths in the community of being a Fulani bandit after rumours of an alleged invasion circulated online and within local communities.

“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life. One Kulaha Ayuba, male, aged 24 years, a commercial motorcycle rider, was allegedly labelled a Fulani bandit by some youths of the community and fatally assaulted,” the statement added.

The command further disclosed that Ayuba’s motorcycle was stolen during the incident, while his body was later discovered in a nearby swamp.

Following a swift response by security personnel, authorities arrested 15 suspects in connection with the killing. The suspects are currently being interrogated as part of an ongoing investigation.

“Following the swift Police intervention, fifteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation. The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the police stated.

The Lagos State Police Command strongly condemned the spread of false and unverified information, warning that such actions can incite violence, ethnic profiling, mob justice and public disorder.

According to the statement, the dissemination of inflammatory reports without verification poses a serious threat to public peace and security.

“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people,” the statement noted.

The police further warned that individuals responsible for originating or deliberately spreading false information capable of causing panic, ethnic tension or violence would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, called on residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that security agencies remain vigilant and fully in control of the situation across the state.

He urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels and report suspicious activities directly to security agencies rather than acting on rumours circulating on social media.

“The Command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and assures all Lagosians that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the state to sustain the peace and security currently being enjoyed,” the statement added.