Fear has gripped the community of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the alarming discovery of written notices, allegedly from bandits, warning of a planned assault on the town.
Chilling Threats and a Recent Tragedy
The threatening messages surfaced in the wake of a deadly attack earlier in the week within the same local government area. On Tuesday, gunmen suspected to be bandits opened fire on officers at the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka village, an incident that resulted in multiple casualties, including the death of five forest guards, and severely heightened security tensions across the region.
According to reports, the new threat materialized in the form of two handwritten notes allegedly left at a building in Ikoyi-Ile. The notes declared that the town would be attacked on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Content of the Ominous Messages
One of the notes, written in Yoruba and boldly titled "Lati Odo Bandit" (From Bandits), warned residents to prepare for their arrival. The message chillingly claimed the assailants were coming to inflict "sorrow" upon the community.
A second note, written in English, was more cryptic. It read: "Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi-Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us." While the exact meaning is unclear, the intent to terrorize is unmistakable.
Community Panic and Police Response
Although the authenticity of the letters is still under verification, local sources confirm they have triggered widespread panic. Many residents are now deeply anxious about their safety, with the memory of the recent park attack compounding their fears.
In response to the developing crisis, the Oyo State Police Command has initiated decisive action. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that the individual who reportedly found the note is undergoing debriefing. The Command has opened a full-scale investigation to determine the origin and veracity of the threatening messages and to prevent any potential attack.
This incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing some communities in Oyo State and the psychological terror that often accompanies the threat of banditry. The police investigation will be crucial in restoring a sense of security to the frightened residents of Ikoyi-Ile.
