The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral reports of an armed attack in Ajebo Community, near Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The alleged incident, which was widely circulated on social media, claimed that unknown gunmen invaded the community, forcing residents to flee. The purported attack was said to have started on Monday, December 8, 2025, and continued until the police intervened the following day.
However, the Lagos Police described the reports as “mischievous, untrue, and misleading” in a series of posts on their official X handle on Friday. The police clarified that no gunmen were involved and that the situation was actually a dispute between two contending families over land ownership.
“The incidents are a land dispute between two contending families, and not an attack by gunmen,” the police stated.
According to the Lagos Police, upon receiving information about the disturbance, joint intervention teams were immediately deployed to the area. The teams included Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riot Police personnel, conventional officers from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special units from the Lagos Police Command.
“Normalcy was promptly restored, as the people of the community continued to go about their normal business and other livelihood activities,” the police added.
The command emphasized that no life was lost and no injuries were inflicted on anyone before, during, or after the incident. The report specifically dismissed claims of firearm use, stating, “There was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report. No death or injury was recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere.”
Officials also noted that the viral reports had caused unnecessary panic among residents and neighboring communities. By quickly restoring calm, the police aimed to prevent misinformation from spreading further.
Land disputes have been a recurring source of tension in several parts of Lagos State, often exacerbated by unclear ownership documents, family rivalries, and urban expansion pressures. The Ajebo case underscores the importance of community mediation and police intervention in preventing such disputes from escalating into violence.
Residents of Ajebo Community confirmed that there was indeed tension between two families over ownership of a parcel of land. However, they emphasized that the situation never escalated into an armed attack or mass displacement. Many residents commended the police for their swift response, which helped prevent further conflict.
“I was at home when I heard some shouting outside,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “We thought it was serious because of the rumours online. But the police came quickly, and everything was calm soon after. There were no gunmen, no firing—just a disagreement over land.”
“The spread of misinformation on social media is a serious problem,” said Dr. Adebayo Ogunleye, a Lagos-based urban planning and community development specialist. “In this case, a private disagreement became exaggerated into a story of gunmen attacks, causing fear among residents and the public. Rapid verification and response by authorities are crucial in preventing such situations from escalating.”
The Lagos State Police Command has urged residents to rely on verified information from official sources before reacting to news, particularly on social media. They also reminded the public that the police remain committed to maintaining peace, resolving disputes peacefully, and protecting lives and property in all communities.
“The command reiterates that there is no security threat in Ajebo Community and assures the general public that normal life has fully resumed,” the statement concluded.
While the Ajebo incident did not result in violence, it highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception of security issues. Viral posts can quickly create fear, misinform communities, and put pressure on law enforcement agencies to respond, even when there is no actual threat.
The Lagos Police Command has reassured residents and stakeholders that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. It also called on journalists and content creators to verify facts before publishing reports, noting that inaccurate stories can disrupt social harmony and incite fear among innocent residents.
This case serves as a reminder that not all alarming reports of violence are true, and that careful investigation by authorities is essential. Residents are encouraged to maintain calm, report disputes early, and work with law enforcement to resolve conflicts peacefully.
As Lagos continues to grow and urban development accelerates, disputes over land and property are likely to continue. Effective communication between authorities and communities, prompt response to disputes, and responsible media reporting remain vital tools for maintaining peace in rapidly developing urban areas.