The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and nearby communities, describing the incident as a false alarm fuelled by rumours and misinformation.
Fear spread across parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring Ajaawa Town on Tuesday after claims emerged online alleging that armed bandits had invaded the area around Are-Ago High School.
Viral videos shared on X showed students, traders, and residents running from schools and business areas amid fears of an imminent attack.
In a statement released on its X page, the police said surveillance and patrol teams were immediately deployed to the affected locations to verify the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
According to the command, officers met with the school principal, Mrs Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the panic began after some students reported seeing unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence.
The police said the individuals were later identified as officerd of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command and two civilians travelling in a Toyota Venza SUV.
Investigators said the visitors explained they had come to celebrate the birthday of the woman among them, while NSCDC authorities in Ogbomoso were contacted to confirm the officer’s identity.
The command added that a misunderstanding between some teachers and the visitors escalated suspicion within the school premises, leading students to spread unverified information to neighbouring schools and communities.
Police said the rumours quickly triggered panic across Ogbomoso and Ajaawa Town before the actual facts of the incident were established.
Security patrols and visibility policing were later intensified in the affected communities to reassure residents and restore calm.
The command said academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed normally.
The police also warned against the spread of fake news and unverified security reports, noting that such claims could create unnecessary fear, disrupt economic activities, and undermine ongoing security efforts.
The command cautioned social media users and residents against sharing unconfirmed reports, adding that anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of inciting panic would face prosecution.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Ogbomoso and surrounding areas following last Friday’s attack by gunmen on motorcycles who abducted students and staff members from schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso.
