The Oyo State Police Command has officially debunked reports of an alleged bandit attack in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, including Ajaawa Town, labeling the claims as false and misleading. In a statement released on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Alayande Olayinka, the command confirmed that calm has been restored in the affected areas after panic spread on Monday over rumors that armed bandits had invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School in Ogbomoso.
According to the police, the alarm prompted the immediate deployment of surveillance and patrol teams to the area to verify the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order. Preliminary findings revealed that the incident stemmed from suspicions raised by some students after unfamiliar persons were seen behind the school premises. Investigations later disclosed that the individuals were an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command and two civilians traveling in a Toyota Venza SUV. The visitors reportedly explained that they were in the area to celebrate the birthday of the female companion among them.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that there was no bandit attack, invasion, or any form of security breach in the affected areas as falsely portrayed,” the statement said. The command emphasized that patrols and visibility policing have been intensified while stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents. They warned against spreading unverified information, noting that fake security reports could trigger panic, disrupt activities, and undermine public safety efforts.
