The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging a bandit attack on Oke-Oyi community, describing the claim as false, deceptive, and capable of creating needless fear and disrupting public order.
The incident generated momentary anxiety on Thursday morning after rumours circulated around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, alleging that armed bandits had stormed the school premises.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the Police Command, the emergency report was received at about 9:15 a.m., prompting the Divisional Police Officer in Oke-Oyi to immediately deploy officers to the location to secure the school environment and reassure residents.
Initial findings, however, showed that the panic began when a woman reportedly ran into the school compound shouting that bandits had entered the community.
The unconfirmed report quickly created confusion among students and members of staff, resulting in a temporary interruption of academic activities as teachers and pupils reacted in panic.
Following a detailed assessment, the police confirmed that there was no attack, no presence of bandits, and no security incident in Oke-Oyi or any neighbouring community.
The Command condemned the circulation of unverified security information, warning that false alarms threaten public safety and may distract security agencies from attending to genuine emergencies.
Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, described the development as irresponsible and unacceptable, stressing that individuals responsible for spreading false security information would be held accountable.
“The Command has commenced efforts to identify the individual responsible for raising the false alarm. Upon identification, the person will be invited for questioning and made to face the full weight of the law,” the police statement warned.
The Command appealed to residents to remain calm while staying alert, urging them to confirm security-related information through official channels before sharing it with others.
It also advised members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station rather than circulate unverified reports.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to preserving peace and security across Kwara State, assuring residents that adequate mechanisms remain in place to tackle legitimate security threats.
