Residents of Osun State were thrown into panic on Tuesday, May 2, following rumours of bandits being sighted in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area, and Oyan in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed reports of school kidnappings and bandit attacks in parts of the state, assuring residents that schools and communities remain safe.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and shared via the official X handle of the Osun State Government, the governor said comprehensive security assessments carried out in border communities and other parts of the state confirmed that no school abduction had occurred.

Adeleke described the reports as false and politically motivated, alleging that opposition elements were behind the rumours in a bid to create panic and destabilise the state.

According to him, his administration has put adequate security measures in place to protect schools and ensure the safety of students, teachers and residents.

“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 stated.

Despite the government’s assurances, Afinju correspondents observed heightened concern among parents in some parts of the state. Several parents were seen arriving at primary and secondary schools, while others were spotted on the streets of Osogbo with their children after reportedly picking them up from school.

The governor appealed to parents and guardians not to give in to fear, insisting that the alleged kidnapping threats were baseless and intended to create unnecessary anxiety among citizens.

Adeleke also disclosed that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) inherited from previous administrations, which had fallen into disrepair, have now been fully rehabilitated and are ready to support security operations across the state.

He explained that the APCs were originally acquired during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and inherited by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, but were allegedly neglected over time.

“The Oyetola administration inherited the APCs from the Aregbesola administration. The last administration, however, left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them, and the public will soon witness a new security plan to strengthen the security of lives and property in Osun State,” he said.

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The governor further warned individuals spreading false information or attempting to incite criminal activities, noting that intelligence and security operatives have intensified surveillance in border communities and other identified flashpoints across the state.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, Adeleke said all necessary measures would be taken to prevent security breaches.

“No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties,” Adeleke added.

The governor’s reassurance comes amid growing public concern over insecurity in parts of the country, particularly following recent incidents of school abductions reported in some neighbouring states.

Ifelodun LG Debunks Alleged Bandit Invasion in Ikirun

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hassan Okanlawon, has described social media reports alleging that bandits invaded Ikirun and neighbouring communities as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by the Supervisory Councillor for Education and Information, Akorede Olawale, the council clarified that the report was unverified and capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic among residents.

The statement noted that, as of the time of its release, no recognised security agency had provided intelligence indicating the presence of bandits in Ikirun or any part of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Okanlawon reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, assuring residents that the local government would continue to work closely with security agencies to maintain peace and security across all communities.

Osun Police Warn Against Spread of False Security Alerts

The Osun State Police Command has cautioned residents against circulating unverified reports alleging a bandit invasion in parts of the state, describing such claims as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among the public.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said it had observed with concern the spread of unverified security alerts on social media and other communication platforms, warning that such reports could undermine public confidence and threaten public peace and security.

The command disclosed that extensive security assessments and intelligence-gathering operations conducted across the state had not substantiated the claims being circulated.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, warned individuals and groups involved in creating and disseminating false security information to desist from such acts immediately.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that these 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,” the statement read.

The police further urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it, stressing that anyone found spreading false information capable of inciting fear or causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.