By The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating online alleging that bandits attacked the vicinity of Are-Ago High School, Ogbomoso.
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 19, footage obtained by AfrikTimes showed pupils and residents running in different directions while shouting that “bandits have arrived.”
However, the Police Command clarified that there was no bandit invasion or security breach in the area.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command disclosed that operatives were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the alleged attack.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that one of the individuals mistaken for a bandit was an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command in Ilorin. The officer was reportedly in a Toyota Venza SUV alongside two civilians.
The statement further explained that the school principal, Mrs Akanbi Ruth, informed operatives that the panic “originated from information allegedly circulated among some students who claimed that certain unfamiliar individuals had been sighted behind the school fence.”
The alarm reportedly caused panic in the school and subsequently, the immediate environment. The statement also noted that when teachers confronted the suspected individuals, the altercation reportedly led to heightened suspicion within the school premises, causing some students to begin spreading unverified claims to neighbouring schools and surrounding communities, including Ajaawa Town.
Mr. Ayanlade noted that during interrogation with the police, the individuals explained that they had visited the female among them to celebrate her birthday.
He added that the identity and official status of the NSCDC officer were subsequently confirmed by relevant authorities in Ogbomoso.
“Consequently, 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,” the statement added.
The command stated that patrol and surveillance operations have since been intensified across the area to reassure residents and maintain public confidence.
The police also warned against the spread of misinformation and unverified security reports capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.
“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,” DSP Ayanlade stated.
He further warned that individuals found deliberately spreading false information or fake security alerts would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
