The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday dismissed reports of bandit attacks and insecurity in parts of Ogun State, assuring residents that the state remains peaceful and secure.
Police Deny Social Media Claims
In a statement issued by police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command described as false and misleading social media reports alleging attacks on schools and communities in the Ota and Ifo areas of the state. The police said there had been no bandit attack, kidnapping, terrorist activity or any other security breach in locations mentioned in the reports, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado and Ifo.
Security Assessments Conducted
According to the command, officers were immediately deployed to the affected areas following the circulation of the reports to carry out assessments, verify the claims and reassure residents through confidence-building patrols. The police added that the School Protection Squad, working with divisional police officers in the affected areas, conducted security assessments of schools named in the reports. The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure and operating normally, with students and staff completing their academic activities without disruption, the statement said.
“Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis). The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational. School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff,” the police said.
Call for Responsible Communication
The command expressed concern over the anxiety caused by the spread of unverified security information, warning that false reports could create unnecessary panic among residents and undermine public confidence. “The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and desist from actions capable of heightening unnecessary fear or tension within communities. Security management depends on accurate reporting, responsible communication,” the statement read.
Police urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it and encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear. The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state and pledged to sustain patrols and other proactive security measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property. It also assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to respond promptly to any genuine threat to public safety.
