A chilling fear has gripped residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the discovery of threatening warning letter believed to have been left by suspected bandits ahead of a scheduled attack, prompting a police investigation into their source and purpose.
Following speculations that armed bandits were preparing to attack the town, the Oyo State Police Command announced on Saturday that the notes were discovered in the community.
Ikoyi-Ile is located in the same local council area as the Old Oyo National Park, where five forest guards were killed. This development has already raised people’ fears about security.
Findings indicate that two distinct notes were purportedly dropped at the front and back of a building in the town.
The letter allegedly warned of a bandit attack slated for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
One of the notes, handwritten in Yoruba and bearing no signature or clear identification, was reportedly headed “Lati Odo Bandit” and threatened an invasion of the community on the stated date.
The note suggested residents should prepare for the arrival of the bandits, with language interpreted as hostile and intimidating.
The English-language second note was just as worrisome. It concluded with a warning to the locals to anticipate their arrival, claiming the writers had been “working” for three days and that the government had dispatched them to Ikoyi-Ile.
The arrival of the notes has since stirred panic and fear and stress in the community, even if the exact writer of the notes and any real connection to bandit organisations are still unknown.
DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the state’s police public relations officer, responded to the situation by confirming the event and stating that security personnel had taken action.
He disclosed that the individual who found the notes is currently being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
“The person who allegedly discovered the notes is presently undergoing debriefing, and the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the origin and intention behind the messages.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that it has received credible information regarding a handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English languages, allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The note is purported to have been authored by suspected bandits, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community.
“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), immediately activated the Command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response architecture.
“The State Intelligence Department (SID), in close collaboration with tactical units, was directed to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note, while operational assets were promptly deployed and repositioned within Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communities.
“As part of deliberate and visible security actions, armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been significantly reinforced.
“Police personnel are currently on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situation. The Area Command has equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.
“The Oyo State Police Command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that every lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” Ayanlade stated.
He reassured residents that the police are treating the matter seriously and appealed for calm, stressing that security agencies are fully engaged and will provide updates as investigation progresses.
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