Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Osun State Police Command has issued a strong warning against the circulation of false and misleading reports alleging bandit invasions in parts of the state, describing the claims as unfounded and capable of causing unnecessary panic. In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, said the command had observed with concern the spread of such reports on social media and other communication platforms. According to the statement, extensive intelligence gathering and security assessments conducted by the command had not substantiated the claims of banditry attacks in any community. “The Command wishes to state unequivocally that these reports are unfounded, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear, and tension among law‑abiding residents,” the statement said.
The rumour, which began early on Tuesday morning around the Ila Orangun axis, triggered widespread panic across several local government areas, forcing both public and private schools to abruptly shut down and driving parents to rush to schools to withdraw their children. Communities in Ikirun, Obaagun, Iree, Eripa, Otan‑Ayegbaju, Ila‑Orangun, Osogbo and Owode‑Ede were thrown into confusion. A security source who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Punch that the rumour started after an unverified claim that a schoolgirl had been abducted at Faaje village along Oyan Road in Ila Orangun. It was later discovered that the girl had simply gone into hiding to avoid going to school, but by then the false news had already spread like wildfire through Ila and Oyan communities.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the alleged invasion as a “fake alert” and urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear. The governor described the rumour as the handiwork of “evil opposition elements” seeking to plunge the state into chaos, and said fact‑checks from border areas and across the state had confirmed that there was no case of kidnapping. He also announced that the state’s Armoured Personnel Carriers have been fully refurbished and are ready for deployment to strengthen security. “I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear,” the governor said. “Our government has taken steps to secure our schools. The Ministry of Education and the relevant security agencies have worked out a security strategy that is being implemented”.
CP Gotan warned individuals and groups involved in the deliberate creation, publication and dissemination of false security information to desist immediately, stressing that the spread of unverified information undermines public confidence and poses a threat to public peace and security. He advised members of the public to always verify security‑related information through official channels before sharing it, adding that anyone found spreading false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that covert operatives and personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit have been deployed across the state to monitor developments and respond swiftly to any security threats. Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious movements or security concerns to the nearest police station for prompt action.
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