The Ogun State Police Command has debunked reports of alleged bandits attack in Ota and Ifo axes of the state.
This is coming under the heels of social media reports alleging bandits invasion of several Ogun communities.
Reacting to the claims in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun Command maintained that the entire state remain safe and calm.
The command also debunked alleged arrest of suspected bandits in Atan-Ota and other communities, adding that there was breach of security in any part of the state.
“We wishes to categorically assure the general public that the entire state remains safe, calm, and secure, while also debunking a series of false and misleading reports currently circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axes of Ogun State, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota.
“The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities.” The statement partly read.
Meanwhile, Babaseyi disclosed that the command had in the wake of the reports mobilised its personnel from the respective divisions to conduct security assessment, particularly in the aforementioned areas.
“Following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilized to all affected locations for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance.
“In addition, the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis).
“The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational.
“School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure.” The statement read further.
The Command expressed concern ober what it described as needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.
It sympathized with members of the public who may have been alarmed by these false reports and reassured them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.
Meanwhile, the Ogun Command further clarified that the recent operation conducted in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, led to the arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire.
The foreign nationals, according to Babaseyi, comprised of 19 males and nineteen 19 females, aged between 25 and 35 years.
“The individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.
“The suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities.
“Upon conclusion of preliminary police procedures, they were duly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols.” The police said.
It reiterated that at no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension.
The command labelled attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity as entirely false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.
It urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and desist from actions capable of heightening unnecessary fear or tension within communities.
The Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to verify all security-related information through official channels before sharing.