The Osun State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that suspected herdsmen attacked travellers along the Osogbo–Iwo Road on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The Command said the alleged attack never occurred and clarified that the incident that caused widespread panic was, in fact, a road traffic collision that escalated unexpectedly.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, through the Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, explained that social media reports of a herdsmen attack were false and misleading. The police noted that the misinformation had caused anxiety among motorists and residents who frequently use the busy route connecting Osogbo, the state capital, to Iwo and other neighbouring towns.
According to the police, the situation began around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday near the Gbongan axis when a Toyota Sienna collided with a bungle bus traveling from Benin in Edo State to Osogbo. The bus had two male occupants, identified as the driver and co-driver.
DSP Ojelabi explained, “The Toyota Sienna struck the rear of the bus. The bus occupants, believing their vehicle was not affected, refused to stop and continued their journey.”
This refusal to stop, combined with the frustration of the Sienna driver, triggered a series of misunderstandings. The driver reportedly raised an alarm, claiming that the bus occupants were kidnappers or thieves. This accusation quickly reached residents along the road, many of whom were already on edge due to growing concerns about insecurity in the region.
“The alarm prompted residents to form a mob that chased, blocked, and attacked the bus occupants, vandalising the vehicle in the process,” the police said.
Amid the chaos, a local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area intervened and rescued the two men. He conveyed them, along with the damaged bus, to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.
However, tensions remained high as the mob reportedly followed the victims to the police station, attempting to storm the premises. The Divisional Police Officer quickly sought reinforcement from Osogbo, prompting the deployment of tactical teams to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Police confirmed that the bus occupants were safe and are currently in protective custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted lynching and vandalism.
The Osun State Police Command used the incident to caution the public against spreading unverified information. DSP Ojelabi warned that false reports, such as claims of herdsmen attacks, could provoke panic, endanger innocent people, and escalate minor incidents into potentially deadly situations.
The Command urged residents to avoid jungle justice and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via emergency numbers: 08039537995 and 08123823981.
“The public must exercise restraint and verify facts before sharing them online or reacting to rumours,” Ojelabi added. “Incidents like this demonstrate how misinformation can quickly spiral out of control.”
The Osogbo–Iwo Road is one of the busiest routes in Osun State, connecting several towns and serving as a key transit corridor for commuters, traders, and commercial vehicles. In recent years, residents along the route have expressed concerns about rising insecurity, including occasional reports of banditry, robbery, and road accidents.
The fear of herdsmen or criminal gangs has heightened anxiety, particularly in rural communities where police visibility can be limited. These factors contributed to the rapid spread of rumours on social media, which amplified public fear and led to the attempted lynching of innocent road users.
The incident also reflects the broader challenge of jungle justice in Nigeria. Across the country, communities sometimes resort to self-help measures, attacking alleged criminals without verification. Such actions often result in harm to innocent people and damage to property, undermining rule of law and community trust.
Following the Osogbo-Iwo Road incident, the Osun State Police Command reiterated the importance of responsible reporting. Citizens are advised to confirm the authenticity of news before sharing it on social media or in their communities.
The Command also stressed that their officers are committed to ensuring safety along major roads, investigating incidents, and protecting residents from crime. Rapid response teams, like the one deployed to Iwo, are in place to manage emergencies and prevent escalation during tense situations.
