Police debunk false banditry alert in Ifo, Ota, confirming Ogun safe.

The Police in Ogun State on Tuesday dismissed reports that bandits had attacked schools and communities along the Ota and Ifo axis.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command’s spokesperson, said the entire state remains safe, calm and secure.

Daily Post reports that a WhatsApp post circulating at midday claimed armed men were seen near several schools in the Ota axis.

Parents abandoned work and businesses to rush to schools to pick up their children, creating heavy traffic and confusion along Idiroko Road, Sango Roundabout and Oju‑Ore.

The Police Public Relations Officer stated that there was no bandit attack, kidnapping, terrorist activity or any security breach anywhere in the state.

He said, “The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan‑Ota, Sango‑Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities.”

“Following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilised to all affected locations for on‑the‑spot assessment, verification and sustained confidence‑building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance.”

Babaseyi added that the Command’s School Protection Squad, together with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools.

According to him, the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure and fully operational.

“School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” he added.

The Command expressed concern over the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the spread of unverified security information.

Meanwhile, the Command sympathised with members of the public who may have been alarmed by the false reports and reassured them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.

The Command also urged residents to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information and desist from actions that could heighten unnecessary fear or tension within communities.