Police denies reports of terrorist invasion in Oyo

The Oyo state police command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Lukarawa terrorists have infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, June 10, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the claims contained in a viral video and accompanying voice note as false and misleading, stating that intelligence reports and security assessments do not support the allegations.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the video being circulated is an old clip that has been deliberately recycled and falsely presented as a recent incident to create fear and panic among residents.

“The Oyo State Police Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims as false, misleading and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.

The Command urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it on social media.

Ayanlade said security measures have been strengthened across the affected areas to reassure residents and sustain public confidence. He mentioned that intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the Ogbomoso axis to reinforce existing security structures and improve early warning systems.

It added that the operatives are working closely with traditional institutions, local security networks, hunters, vigilante groups and community stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure prompt responses to security threats.

The police also said visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments have been intensified across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park corridor and adjoining border communities.