The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks, kidnappings and security breaches in parts of Ota and Ifo, insisting that no such incidents occurred anywhere in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command described the reports as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
The police said there had been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity or any security breach in Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Agbado, Ifo and other neighbouring communities.
According to the command, operatives were immediately deployed to the affected locations following the circulation of the reports to verify the claims and reassure residents.
“The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities,” the statement read.
The police added that officers attached to the School Protection Squad, alongside Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas, conducted security assessments of the schools mentioned in the reports and found them safe and fully operational.
“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 completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” Babaseyi stated.
The command expressed concern over the anxiety generated by the unverified reports and urged residents to rely on credible sources for security information.
It further clarified circumstances surrounding the arrest of 38 foreign nationals in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, saying the suspects were not bandits as alleged in some online reports.
The police disclosed that the individuals, comprising 19 males and 19 females from Côte d’Ivoire, were apprehended following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration documents during screening.
“The suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities. Upon conclusion of preliminary police procedures, they were duly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action,” the statement added.
The command stressed that no bandits, kidnappers or terrorists were arrested during the operation.
“At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension. Any attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity is entirely false and misleading,” the police said.
The command assured residents that security personnel remained on alert across the state and urged members of the public to continue their lawful activities without fear.
