No Bandit Attack in Ota, Ifo Communities, Ogun Police Clarify

No Bandit Attack in Ota, Ifo Communities, Ogun Police Clarify
Parents Rush to Schools Over Rumoured Attack
Police Warn Against Spreading Unverified Security Reports

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that bandits attacked schools and communities in parts of Ota and Ifo, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Command said the state remains peaceful and secure, assuring residents that no security breach was recorded in any of the areas mentioned in the viral reports.

EDITOR’S PICK

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Command immediately deployed officers to the affected locations following the circulation of a social media message claiming armed men had been sighted around schools in the Ota axis.

The rumour reportedly sparked panic among parents, many of whom rushed from their workplaces and businesses to pick up their children from school. The situation led to heavy traffic congestion and confusion along major routes including Idiroko Road, Sango Roundabout and Oju-Ore.

According to the police, investigations and on-the-spot assessments carried out across the affected communities confirmed that there was no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity or any other security threat.

“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,” Babaseyi said.

He noted that police operatives were dispatched to locations including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko area, Fadunsin, Atan-Ota, Agbado, Ifo and neighbouring communities to verify the claims and reassure residents.

The spokesperson added that the Command’s School Protection Squad, working alongside Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas, conducted security assessments of the schools mentioned in the reports.

The exercise, according to him, confirmed that all schools remained safe and fully operational throughout the day.

“School activities continued peacefully and without interruption, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” he stated.

The police expressed concern over the anxiety and disruption caused by the spread of unverified information and urged residents to verify security-related reports through credible channels before sharing them.

While sympathising with parents and residents who were alarmed by the rumours, the Command reassured the public that all affected communities remain calm and under effective security surveillance.

Residents were also advised to remain vigilant but avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities.