A 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kulaha Ayuba, has been killed by angry mobs after being mistaken for a bandit amid reports and social media posts alleging bandits’ invasion in several parts of Lagos State.
Several posts on social media, including on WhatsApp platforms, had on Monday alleged bandits’ invasion of communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Oke-Afo amongst others.
This was further intensified with a statement issued by the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chairman, Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, who raised alarm over the presence of those he called “certain group of persons” in the area.
The Chairman’s statement released on Monday was sequel to what residents have expressed as possible invasion by some persons who have raised fears over possible terrorists’ attacks in the area.
Reacting in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos State Police Command dismissed the social media reports alleging bandits’ invasion across the statement.
Adebisi said the viral posts were unfounded and intended to create fear, panic and anxiety among residents.
She maintained there was no security crisis, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or elsewhere in the state.
The police spokesperson, however, revealed that the false alarm had already resulted in a tragic loss of life as Ayuba was killed after been allegedly mistaken for a bandit by youths acting on unverified reports.
“The victim was attacked and fatally assaulted, while his motorcycle was reportedly stolen.
“His body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community,” Adebisi said.
She added that 15 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and were currently under investigation.
Adebisi assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
She condemned the deliberate spread of unverified information capable of causing chaos, public disorder, ethnic profiling and mob violence.
Adebisi urged residents to disregard the viral posts and avoid sharing information that had not been verified through official channels.
She warned that individuals responsible for originating or deliberately circulating false and inciting information would be investigated and prosecuted.
Such information, she said, could trigger public alarm, ethnic tension and violence.
Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
“He urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear,” she said.
The police spokesperson advised the public to report suspicious activities through police stations or established emergency channels.
She urged residents not to rely on unverified reports circulating on social media.
Adebisi reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
She assured Lagos residents that adequate security measures remained in place to sustain peace and security across the state.
The police spokesperson reiterated that schools across Lagos remained safe, adding that security agencies had maintained adequate surveillance and presence in all communities.