The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman for allegedly spreading a false security alert on social media claiming that bandits had invaded communities in Odo Otin Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, who allegedly operates an X (formerly Twitter) account under the handle @AdejokeAder, is accused of posting a message warning that armed bandits had entered the towns of Inisa and Oyan, triggering panic among residents and prompting concern across affected communities.

In the viral post, the suspect allegedly claimed that “bandits are in Oyan and Inisa” and that students had been dismissed from schools due to the alleged invasion. The post quickly gained traction online, generating widespread reactions and causing fear among residents, with reports indicating that some schools in the area released students early as a precaution.

The incident occurred at a time of heightened sensitivity in parts of the South-West following recent security concerns in neighbouring states, contributing to the rapid spread of the unverified claim.

Reacting to the development, the Osun State Police Command dismissed the report as false, confirming that no bandit attack or kidnapping incident took place in any part of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command swiftly investigated the claim and traced its origin before arresting the suspect.

The state government also condemned the spread of the misinformation. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the report as malicious and capable of undermining public peace, urging residents to disregard false security alerts circulating on social media.

He added that security agencies had conducted fact-checks across the affected areas and confirmed that there was no breach or threat to any community, noting that proactive security measures remain in place to safeguard schools and residents.

Authorities have cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified security information online, warning that such actions can incite panic, disrupt public order, and strain emergency response systems.

The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the viral post and its impact on public safety.