Police Expose Truth Behind Viral Bandit Attack Claims
The Osun State Police Command has officially dismissed widespread social media reports claiming bandits attacked travelers along the busy Osogbo-Iwo road. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that no such attack occurred, despite viral Facebook posts and voice notes that sent panic through the Osuntedo and Idoo communities.
Initial reports circulating on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, alleged that gunmen had been sighted between Osuntedo and Idoo, causing widespread fear among road users and residents. However, investigations revealed that none of the posts provided verifiable details, with many admitting they had only heard the information from unnamed sources.
Road Accident Triggered False Alarm
According to Police Spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi, the panic stemmed from a minor road accident that occurred on November 18, 2025, at approximately 12:30 hours around the Gbongan axis. A Toyota Sienna vehicle had collided with the rear of a bongo bus with registration number EPE 449 YLY that was traveling from Benin, Edo State to Osogbo.
The collision caused damage to the Toyota Sienna's bumper, but the bus occupants continued their journey believing nothing was seriously wrong. This prompted the Sienna driver to raise an alarm, falsely accusing the bus occupants of being kidnappers and thieves.
Mob Violence and Police Intervention
The false alarm triggered dangerous consequences as an angry mob pursued and blocked the bus, attacking the occupants and vandalizing the vehicle while attempting to lynch them. Fortunately, a local hunter intervened and escorted the victims to safety at the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.
The situation escalated when the mob followed them to the police station, requiring police reinforcements to be deployed from Osogbo to restore calm. The police confirmed that the victims are currently in protective custody, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the mob involved in the attempted jungle justice.
The Osun State Police Command strongly condemned the circulation of such false alarms and unverified information, emphasizing that such actions can cause unnecessary panic and endanger innocent lives. Authorities urged residents to always verify information before sharing or acting on it.
Police Warning Against Jungle Justice
Police Spokesperson Ojelabi issued a clear warning against taking the law into one's own hands, reminding citizens to report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities. The police provided emergency contact numbers 08039537995 and 08123823981 for immediate reporting of security concerns.
This incident marks not the first time the Osun police have had to dispel such rumours. In September 2025, authorities similarly dismissed claims of a bandit attack at Omi Funfun, Ora Igbomina, clarifying that the alleged incident had actually occurred in Kwara State.
The police emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing and encouraged the public to rely on official channels for accurate security updates rather than spreading unverified social media claims that can lead to dangerous situations.
