Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state police command have warned against the spread of false rumours of banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Governor Adeleke specifically urged the general public to ignore recent false alarms about school kidnappings in some parts of the state, stressing that his administration had taken proactive steps to secure Osun schools.
Some parents had earlier in the day rushed to pick their children in schools in Osogbo the state capital and Ila axis of the state following rumours of kidnapping by bandits and their presence at hidden locations across the state.
But government in a release by the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed described the rumour as the handiwork of evil opposition elements adding that fact checks from the border areas and across the state confirmed that there was no case of kidnappings.
“I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. Our government has taken steps to secure our schools. The Ministry of Education and the relevant security agencies have worked out a security strategy that is being implemented”, the governor noted.
He reiterated that parents and guardians should not panic as the said alarm was false and the handiwork of opposition elements seeking to plunge the state into chaos.
The governor further updated the public about the armoured vehicles allegedly abandoned by the Oyetola administration in various locations, briefing the public that the Armoured Personnel Carriers have been fully refurbished and ready for deployment.
The governor said his administration inherited the knocked down APCs in various locations, noting that they were reworked and rehabilitated for deployment in areas of need under joint operations by security agencies.
He warned against incitement to criminal conduct by evil opposition elements, warning that the local intelligence network is monitoring and watching the border towns and identified hot spots.
In the same vein, Osun State Police Command warned the general public against the circulation of false and misleading information on social media and other communication platforms alleging banditry invasion in some parts of the state.
The command in a release by its Public relations officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi in Osogbo on Tuesday stated that the reports are unfounded, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear, and tension among law-abiding residents.
“Extensive security assessments and intelligence gathering conducted by the Command have not substantiated the claims being circulated”, he noted.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan warned individuals and groups involved in the deliberate creation, publication, and dissemination of false security alerts to desist forthwith adding that the spread of unverified information not only undermines public confidence but also constitutes a threat to public peace and security.
“Members of the public are advised to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing the same. Anyone found spreading false information, capable of causing public disorder or inciting fear, will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law”.
The command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
