Police debunk bandit attack rumours in Ogun, say state safe

The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday said that the entire state remains safe, calm, and secure and has therefore debunked a series of false and misleading reports currently circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axis of the state, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota. The command stated unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities. The command has equally said that the recent arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire was based on violation of immigration rules, having entered the country without necessary supporting documents and not connected to any security breach. The spokesperson of the state police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. Babaseyi said that following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilized to all affected locations for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance. He added that the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools, and the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational. School activities were reportedly said to have continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closing time. Babaseyi said that “The Command notes with concern the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information. “The Command deeply sympathizes with members of the public who may have been alarmed by these false reports and reassures them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage. “Findings from coordinated assessments across the affected locations confirmed that normal academic, commercial, and social activities were ongoing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property anywhere in the state. “The Command further clarifies that the recent operation conducted in Ka