Birthday Visit Misconception Triggers False Bandit Panic in Ogbomoso, Ajaawa As Oyo Police Warn Against Fake News
The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that calm has been fully restored in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, following a false alarm and the circulation of misleading reports suggesting a bandit presence in the area.
On Monday, 19th May, 2026, panic spread across parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa, after unverified rumours claimed that armed bandits had invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School, Ogbomoso.
The report triggered fear and tension among residents, prompting the immediate deployment of police surveillance and patrol teams to the scene to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to verify the situation.
Upon arrival, police operatives engaged the school authorities, including the principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm stemmed from concerns raised by some students.
The students had reportedly sighted unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence, which led to suspicion and heightened anxiety within the school environment.
Preliminary findings, however, established that the individuals in question were not armed criminals but included an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), attached to the Kwara State Command, Ilorin, alongside two civilians who arrived in a Toyota Venza SUV.
The group clarified that their visit was purely social, as they were in the area to celebrate a birthday.
Further verification was conducted with relevant NSCDC authorities in Ogbomoso to confirm the identity and status of the officer involved.
It was also observed that an altercation had occurred between some school staff and the visitors during the encounter, which contributed to heightened suspicion.
This situation was further escalated when some students began circulating unverified claims to nearby schools and communities, resulting in widespread panic before the facts were properly established.
The Command, however, categorically states that there was no bandit attack, no invasion, and no security breach in Ogbomoso or Ajaawa. Following clarification of the incident, security patrols and visibility policing were intensified across the affected areas, while stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents.
Normalcy has since returned, and academic, commercial, and social activities continue without disruption.
The Oyo State Police Command strongly cautions against the spread of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security alerts capable of causing unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.
The dissemination of false reports not only creates avoidable tension but also undermines ongoing efforts to ensure security across the state.
Members of the public, particularly social media users and youths, are urged to verify information from credible sources before sharing.
Those found deliberately spreading false information that may incite fear or public disorder will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.