‎Kwara Police dismiss Bandit invasion rumour in Oke-Oyi, warn against false security alerts

By Ahmed Olayinka

‎The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that bandits invaded Oke-Oyi community in Ilorin East Local Government Area, describing the claim as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents, THE PRIME NEWS reports.
‎
‎According to the Command, tension erupted on Thursday morning around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, following rumours that suspected bandits had entered the community and were approaching the school premises.
‎
‎The Police disclosed that at about 9:15 a.m., reports of panic and commotion were received from the area, prompting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oke-Oyi Division to immediately deploy officers to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, teachers and residents.
‎
‎Preliminary investigations revealed that the alarm originated from a woman who reportedly rushed into the school premises claiming that bandits had arrived in the community.
‎
‎The unverified information quickly spread among students and staff, leading to panic and a temporary disruption of academic activities.
‎
‎However, after a thorough assessment, the Police confirmed that the report was entirely unfounded.
‎
‎”There was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits, and no security breach within the school, Oke-Oyi community or any part of Kwara State,” the Command stated.
‎
‎Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, condemned the spread of false security information, noting that such actions could create fear, public disorder and divert security resources from genuine emergencies.
‎
‎He warned that individuals found spreading false security alerts would be held accountable under the law.
‎
‎The Police Command disclosed that efforts are already underway to identify the individual responsible for the false alarm.
‎
‎Once identified, the person will be invited for questioning and prosecuted in line with relevant laws governing the dissemination of false information and acts likely to breach public peace.
‎
‎The Command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours or unverified security reports, emphasizing the need to verify information through appropriate channels before sharing it.
‎
‎Residents were also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
‎
‎Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Kwara State Police Command assured residents that adequate security measures remain in place across the state and that there is no cause for alarm.
‎