The Police in Ogun State on Tuesday debunked reports that bandits attacked some schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axis of the state.
The Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that the entire state remains safe, calm, and secure.
DAILY POST reports that a social media post circulating through WhatsApp groups at midday claimed that armed men had been sighted close to several schools in the Ota axis.
This forced parents to abandon their work and businesses, rushing to various schools to pick up their children and causing heavy traffic and confusion along Idiroko Road, Sango Roundabout, and Oju-Ore.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that there was no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state.
He said, “The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun 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.
“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.”
Babaseyi 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.
According to him, the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational.
“School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” he added.
The Command noted with concern the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.
Meanwhile, the Command sympathized with members of the public who may have been alarmed by the false reports and reassured them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.
The Command also urged residents to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and desist from actions capable of heightening unnecessary fear or tension within communities.
