…Warn false alarmists, restore calm
Contrary to a viral false alarm alleging the presence of suspected bandits within Ogbomoso and its adjoining communities on Tuesday, the Oyo State Police Command has disclosed that normalcy has been fully restored and that there were no fresh attacks in Ogbomoso and Ajaawa Towns.
New Telegraph gathered that on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026, panic spread across parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, following rumours alleging that armed bandits had attacked the area and invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School, Ogbomoso. Many students were seen in a video scampering across the road, shouting: “Bandits have come.”
Considering the fear and apprehension generated by the report, the Command immediately deployed surveillance and patrol teams to the scene to ascertain the true situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Upon arrival at the location, operatives met with the school Principal, Mrs Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm originated from information allegedly circulated among some students who claimed that certain unfamiliar individuals had been sighted behind the school fence.
This naturally raised suspicion among some teachers and students, prompting immediate concern within the school environment.
Preliminary investigation, according to a press release signed by the PPRO, Ayanlade Olayinka, however, revealed that the individuals involved were an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command, Ilorin, and two other civilians who were found in a Toyota Venza SUV. The individuals were questioned and explained that they had merely visited the lady among them in celebration of her birthday.
“In the course of verification and due diligence, relevant NSCDC authorities in Ogbomoso were equally contacted to confirm the identity and status of the officer involved. It was further observed that during the interaction, an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the visitors, which inadvertently heightened suspicion within the school premises.
“Consequently, some students began spreading unverified claims to neighbouring schools and surrounding communities, thereby escalating panic and tension across parts of Ogbomoso and Ajaawa Town before the actual facts of the incident were established.
“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.
In response to the situation, patrols and visibility policing around the affected communities were immediately intensified, while critical stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents and restore public confidence. The area remains peaceful, while normal academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed.
“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.
“The dissemination of false information, particularly on security-related matters, has the potential to create avoidable chaos, disrupt socio-economic activities, and negatively affect the collective security efforts being sustained across the state.
“Members of the public, especially youths and social media users, are advised to refrain from forwarding or amplifying unconfirmed reports without proper verification from appropriate security agencies. Individuals found deliberately peddling fake news or spreading false information intended to incite fear or public disorder will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, urges residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies through the prompt sharing of credible and timely information capable of enhancing public safety and security across the state”, the release said.
