The Kwara State Police Command has debunked reports and claims of a bandit attack false and in Oke-Oyi and other surrounding communities in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, while also describing the report as false and misleading.
She further clarified that at about 9:15 a.m., the command received reports of panic and commotion around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, following claims that suspected bandits had invaded the school premises.
She said, “Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, Oke-Oyi Division, promptly mobilized personnel to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the alarm emanated from a woman who reportedly rushed into the school premises claiming that bandits had arrived in the area. The unverified claim triggered panic among students and teachers, resulting in a temporary disruption of academic activities.
“The Command’s assessment of the situation confirmed that the report was entirely false and without any factual basis. There was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits, and no security breach within the school or anywhere in Oke-Oyi community or Kwara State.”
Police Condemn Report
Also reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo condemned the spread of false security alerts capable of creating fear, panic, and public disorder.
He noted that the spread of unverified information, especially on sensitive security issues, undermines public confidence and may divert critical security resources from genuine emergencies.
Additionally, he urged residents to remain vigilant but calm and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified security information.
BACKSTORY…
A previous report claimed that bandits stormed Imam Abdulraman College in Oke-Oyi, Kwara State where students were writing their WAEC examination, and abducted some of them.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, which was said to be the final day of the examination. Although details remain unclear, residents alleged that the attackers were rival cult groups from Kwara State Polytechnic. In addition, some accounts claimed that three people were killed, but this remains unconfirmed.
