Police Dismiss Rumoured Lukarawa Terrorists’ Infiltration In Ogbomoso, Warn Against Fake News
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Kazeem Awojoodu
The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Lukarawa terrorists have infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park axis.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the claims contained in a viral video and accompanying voice note as false, misleading and without any factual basis.
According to him, intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not indicate the presence or movement of any terrorist group within the areas mentioned.
“The Oyo State Police Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.
Ayanlade disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the video being circulated is an old clip that has been deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear and panic among residents of the state.
Despite dismissing the report as false, the police said proactive measures have been taken to strengthen security across vulnerable communities, particularly in border areas and locations around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
The Command noted that intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities in the affected axis.
It added that the operatives are working closely with local security structures, community intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups and other stakeholders to maintain peace and security.
The police further disclosed that visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments have been intensified across the area to reassure residents and deter criminal activities.
While urging residents, especially those in border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant, the Command encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious persons or movements through appropriate security channels.
The police also expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of fake news and unverified security alerts on social media, warning that such reports are capable of creating unnecessary panic, disrupting economic activities and undermining public confidence.
“The dissemination of false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence punishable under extant laws,” the statement warned.
The Command stressed that individuals found originating or circulating false information capable of threatening public peace and security would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reassuring residents, the police maintained that there is currently no credible intelligence suggesting the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group in Oyo State.
The Command therefore urged the public to disregard the viral video and voice note and rely only on verified information from official security agencies.
It also called for continued vigilance, responsible information sharing and cooperation with security agencies to sustain peace and security across the state.
