Key points
- The Police command in Lagos State has dismissed social media reports alleging armed bandit invasions in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, and other areas as false.
- Authorities confirmed the viral posts were completely unfounded and designed to create panic and anxiety among residents.
- A false alarm linked to the reports led to the tragic death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist who was mistaken for a bandit.
- Police operatives have arrested 15 suspects in connection with the fatal assault and are currently investigating the incident.
- The Commissioner of Police appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and go about their lawful activities without fear.
Main Story
The Police Command in Lagos State has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that armed bandits invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The command said the viral posts were unfounded and intended to create fear, panic and anxiety among residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, stated this in a release issued on Monday in Lagos.
She said there was no security breach, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or elsewhere in the state.
Adebisi reassured residents that schools across Lagos remained safe and that security agencies had maintained adequate surveillance across communities.
However, she confirmed that the false alarm had already led to a tragic incident.
According to her, a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly mistaken for a bandit and killed by youths acting on unverified reports.
She said 15 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and were currently under investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
Adebisi urged residents to disregard the viral posts and avoid sharing unverified information from social media.
She warned that individuals responsible for spreading false or inciting information would be investigated and prosecuted.
The spokesperson also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, as appealing to residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
She advised the public to report suspicious activities through police stations or official emergency channels.
The Issues
- Mitigating the deliberate spread of unverified online data capable of triggering public alarm, ethnic tension, and violence.
- Curbing fatal mob violence and unlawful actions by youths reacting to unverified neighborhood updates.
- Maintaining adequate physical surveillance and reassurance across schools and communities to counter online panic.
What’s Being Said
- Describing the violent outcome of the security rumor mill on an innocent resident, SP Abimbola Adebisi said: “The victim was attacked and fatally assaulted, while his motorcycle was reportedly stolen.”
- Explaining the final discovery of the deceased driver after the mob action, Adebisi noted: “His body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community,”
- Outlining the direct directive issued by leadership to help calm down community anxieties, the spokesperson stated: “He urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear,”
What’s Next
- Command investigators will complete the interrogation of the 15 arrested suspects to prosecute those found culpable under the law.
- Cybercrime units will investigate the digital channels used to originate and deliberately circulate the false security alarms.
- Strategic security teams will sustain heightened presence and surveillance across Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Oke-Afo to maintain public order.
Bottom Line Denouncing viral panic as entirely manufactured, the Lagos State Police Command has declared reports of bandit invasions across local government areas false, while launching a murder investigation after the misinformation incited a fatal mob attack on a local commercial motorcyclist.
