The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in Ifo and Ota, assuring residents that the state remains safe and secure.
In a statement on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said there was no incident of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, or any security breach in the state.
The clarification followed a viral WhatsApp message at midday claiming armed men were sighted near schools in the Ota axis.
The false report sparked panic, with parents rushing to schools to pick up their children and causing heavy traffic around Idiroko Road, Sango Roundabout, and Oju-Ore.
Babaseyi said police operatives were immediately deployed to all affected locations, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Agbado, and other adjoining communities, for on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building patrols.
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The Command’s School Protection Squad, working with Divisional Police Officers, also carried out immediate security checks at the referenced schools.
The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational, with academic activities continuing without interruption.
The police expressed concern over the tension caused by unverified information and urged residents to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
They reassured the public that all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage, and advised people to remain calm and rely on official channels for updates.
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