The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the circulation of false information alleging that bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area and killed six residents.
The Command said the report, which was spread through a viral voice note on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, caused widespread panic among residents before investigations confirmed that the claim was completely false.
The police disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the Command, the alarming message generated fear and tension in Lamini Community and neighbouring areas, prompting an immediate security response to determine the true situation on the ground.
The statement said the police quickly deployed patrol teams and tactical units to the community to verify the report and reassure worried residents.
“The Command immediately mobilised patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and its environs to verify the claim, reassure residents, and douse the palpable tension generated by the alarming report,” Olayinka said.
Security operatives reportedly combed the area, engaged community leaders and residents, and carried out extensive checks to establish the facts behind the disturbing report.
Following the verification exercise, the police found no evidence of any attack, invasion or killing in the community.
The Command said investigations clearly established that the alleged attack never happened.
According to the police, there was no bandit invasion and no loss of life as claimed in the widely circulated voice note.
“Following on-the-ground verification, it was established that the purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred,” the statement added.
The police described the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary fear among members of the public.
The incident drew attention because security-related reports often trigger serious concerns among Nigerians due to the country’s ongoing security challenges.
Over the years, several communities across different parts of Nigeria have experienced attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups. As a result, reports of violence and insecurity tend to spread rapidly, especially on social media platforms where information can be shared instantly.
In many cases, unverified messages circulate widely before security agencies have the opportunity to confirm their authenticity.
The Oyo State Police Command noted that the false report concerning Lamini Community generated considerable anxiety among residents and required urgent intervention by security personnel.
Following confirmation that the report was false, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible for creating and circulating the message.
The police said intelligence officers and forensic experts were deployed to trace the origin of the voice note.
According to the Command, the investigation led to the arrest of one Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa.
Police investigators said forensic analysis linked the viral voice note directly to the suspect.
“The ensuing intelligence-driven investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested,” the statement said.
The police further revealed that during interrogation, the suspect admitted sharing the information without verifying whether it was genuine.
According to investigators, Muyiwa acknowledged that he did not confirm the authenticity of the report before circulating it to others.
The police said the suspect’s action contributed significantly to the spread of panic within the community and beyond.
Further investigation also led to the arrest of another suspect identified as Mulikat Bashiru.
According to the police, Bashiru was allegedly the person who first raised the alarm within the community before the information began spreading across various social media platforms and messaging groups.
Investigators believe the report gained momentum as several individuals forwarded the message without making efforts to confirm its accuracy.
The Command stated that the actions of the suspects highlight the dangers associated with the careless circulation of information, especially when it relates to public safety and security.
The police warned that false information can have serious consequences for both citizens and security agencies.
According to the statement, misinformation and disinformation can trigger panic, create confusion and undermine public confidence in security institutions.
The Command stressed that false reports also divert valuable security resources from genuine emergencies.
When security agencies receive reports of attacks or threats to lives and property, they are expected to respond immediately. Such responses often involve the deployment of personnel, vehicles, intelligence assets and other operational resources.
The police noted that when such reports turn out to be false, resources that could have been used to address real security threats are unnecessarily wasted.
The statement further warned that the spread of fake security alerts could create opportunities for criminals to exploit public fear and confusion.
According to the Command, such narratives weaken trust between the public and security agencies and make security management more difficult.
“The deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation poses a serious threat to public order. Such actions can trigger panic, undermine public confidence, disrupt socio-economic activities, and divert critical security resources away from genuine emergencies,” the statement said.
The police added that false information creates unnecessary fear and can negatively affect business activities, transportation and community relations.
Residents who believe such reports may avoid public places, suspend commercial activities or make decisions based on inaccurate information.
The Command therefore urged members of the public to be more cautious when receiving and sharing information, especially messages related to security matters.
The police advised residents to verify information through credible and official channels before forwarding it to others.
They also encouraged citizens to contact security agencies directly whenever they receive reports of security incidents rather than relying solely on social media messages.
In recent years, security agencies across Nigeria have repeatedly warned against the spread of fake news and unverified reports.
The increasing use of social media has made it easier for information to travel quickly, but authorities say it has also increased the risk of misinformation.
Several individuals have previously been investigated or prosecuted for circulating false reports capable of causing public disorder.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated that individuals found responsible for spreading false information that threatens public peace would face legal consequences.
The Command stressed that maintaining security is a collective responsibility and urged residents to support law enforcement efforts through responsible communication and timely reporting of genuine incidents.
While assuring citizens of its commitment to protecting lives and property, the police called on residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
The Command also reassured members of the public that Lamini Community remains peaceful and that there was no bandit attack as claimed in the viral message.
As investigations continue, the police have vowed to prosecute anyone found culpable in the deliberate creation or circulation of false information capable of causing panic, public disorder or disruption of security operations.
The Command expressed confidence that stronger public awareness and responsible use of social media would help reduce the spread of misinformation and strengthen efforts to maintain peace and security across Oyo State.