Birthday visit by NSCDC officer triggers false banditry alarm in Ogbomoso, Ajaawa

Mass panic and apprehension gripped residents of Ogbomoso, Ajaawa, and adjoining communities in Oyo State on Monday following widespread, unverified reports alleging an invasion by heavily armed bandits. The rumor, which spread like wildfire across social media and local networks, claimed that insurgents had breached security and invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School in Ogbomoso, forcing residents and shop owners to scramble for safety.

However, the Oyo State Police Command has swiftly debunked the reports, describing them as a false alarm triggered by a massive misunderstanding. Prompt deployment of surveillance and patrol teams to the scene effectively restored order and prevented a total breakdown of law and order in the affected areas.

Investigations by police operatives at the scene revealed that the entire crisis stemmed from the presence of unfamiliar faces near the school premises. The school principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, informed authorities that students spotted individuals acting suspiciously behind the school fence, which immediately raised red flags among the staff and student body.

The suspected “bandits” were later identified as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command, Ilorin, who was in the company of two civilians. The trio, who arrived in a Toyota Venza SUV, explained during interrogation that they were only in the area to visit a female acquaintance to celebrate her birthday. Security agencies in Ogbomoso later cross-checked and verified the credentials and status of the civil defence officer.

The situation, however, degenerated when a heated altercation broke out between some teachers and the visitors. The confrontation fueled the anxieties of terrified students, who began sending frantic, unverified distress messages to neighboring schools and communities. The misinformation rapidly morphed into a full-scale banditry scare before security forces could establish the actual facts.

The Oyo State Police Command has categorically stated that no bandit attack, invasion, or security breach occurred anywhere near the communities. To reassure the public, the police have intensified visibility patrols and engaged critical community stakeholders, leading to the full resumption of academic, commercial, and social activities.

Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, issued a stern warning against the reckless dissemination of fake news and unverified security reports. He emphasized that the deliberate spread of misinformation, especially among youths and social media users, creates unnecessary chaos and sabotages the state’s collective security efforts.

The police boss warned that individuals caught peddling false narratives to incite fear will face severe legal consequences, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and to always verify security alerts with official channels.