The Oyo State Police have denied claims that terrorists are moving into Ogbomoso, Oyo State. They also warned against spreading unverified information.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, shared this in a statement on Wednesday for journalists in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Ayanlade responded to a viral video and voice note on social media. The video claimed that suspected Lukarawa terrorists were entering forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
The statement said, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify a video and accompanying voice note currently circulating across various social media platforms, alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
“The Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis. Comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not support nor suggest the existence of any such terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.
Despite the false claims, the Oyo State Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. They have deployed intelligence and covert operatives to border areas and other vulnerable locations to strengthen security.
The operatives are working closely with local security groups, community intelligence networks, traditional leaders, hunters, vigilante groups, and other important stakeholders. They aim to improve intelligence gathering, share information quickly, and respond to any security issues.
The Command has also increased police visibility through patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park, and surrounding border areas. These actions aim to reassure residents, deter criminals, and maintain peace and security.
The Command urged the public, especially those in border areas and rural communities, to stay alert and aware of their surroundings. They asked citizens to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or security office, or through emergency contacts.
The Command expressed concern over the rise of fake news and unverified security alerts circulating on social media. They stated, “Such false reports are capable of creating unnecessary panic, generating fear among law-abiding citizens, undermining public confidence, disrupting economic activities, and diverting security resources from genuine security concerns.
“Disseminating false security information is irresponsible and unethical, and it is also a criminal act that can lead to punishment under the law. We warn those who create, publish, or share false information to stop immediately,” the Command added.
The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, promised to investigate and prosecute anyone spreading falsehoods that could harm public peace and security. They assured residents that there is no credible information indicating the presence of any terrorist group in the state.
The Command advised citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear, relying only on verified information from the Nigeria Police Force and other credible security agencies.
“The public is urged to disregard the said video and voice note in their entirety. Together, through vigilance, responsible information sharing, and cooperation with security agencies, we shall continue to keep Oyo State safe, peaceful, and secure,” the Command concluded.
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