Fear has gripped the community of Ikoyi-Ile in Oyo State following the chilling discovery of handwritten notes allegedly from bandits, warning of a planned invasion on January 20, 2026. The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and initiated a major security response to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Details of the Sinister Threat Notes
The two notes, found at a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, were written without any names or addresses. One was in Yoruba, and the other was an English translation. The Yoruba version ominously stated: “Lati Odo Bandit, A o wa ni January 20th, 2026. E duro de wa ati pe ki e mu ra fun wa le. A wa lati wa fun yin ni ibanuje ni orilede yin. Ni Ikoyi-Ile Ile Oyo State. E mu ra le fun wa.”
The English note read: “Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi–Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.” The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the person who found the notes is being debriefed as part of a full-scale investigation to verify the threats' origin and authenticity.
Police Mobilize for High-Alert Security Response
In response to the direct threat, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has directed all intelligence, tactical, and operational units to act immediately. Security measures now enforced in Ikoyi-Ile and nearby communities include:
- Armed patrols and 24-hour police presence.
- Intensified stop-and-search operations.
- Enhanced surveillance activities.
- Questioning of individuals linked to the discovery by the State Intelligence Department and tactical teams.
The police statement emphasized that personnel are on high alert to deny criminals any opportunity to operate. The Area Command in Ogbomoso is overseeing continuous patrols. Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, has personally visited the community with the Area Commander to assess the situation.
Context of Rising Security Concerns in Oriire LGA
This alarming development follows a recent violent attack in the same local government area. Just weeks ago, suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service office in Oloka Community, killing five forest rangers. The assailants fired into a building where rangers were eating, hitting a gas cylinder and causing a fatal explosion.
One ranger was burnt beyond recognition, and another was injured. The attackers stole rifles and motorcycles. Some residents believe this was a retaliatory strike, as the rangers had previously arrested suspected bandits and handed them over to the police. The location of the National Park near a forest corridor linking Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States raises ongoing concerns about the mobility of armed groups in the region.
The police are urging residents to remain calm, go about their daily activities, but remain vigilant. They have asked the public to report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through emergency channels, assuring that all leads are being pursued to bring those responsible to justice.
