The Kwara State Police Command has debunked reports of a bandit invasion in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area, describing the incident as a false alarm that triggered panic among residents and temporarily disrupted academic activities at a secondary school.
The command said investigations found no evidence of bandit activity, security breaches or attacks in Oke-Oyi or any part of the state, warning against the circulation of unverified security information capable of causing fear and public disorder.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said officers were immediately deployed after reports emerged around 9:15 a.m. that suspected bandits had entered the community.
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According to the police, the alarm sparked anxiety among residents and members of the school community, prompting an emergency response by security personnel.
However, preliminary investigations revealed that the report originated from a woman who allegedly rushed into the premises of Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, claiming that bandits had invaded the area.
The claim quickly spread among students, teachers and community members, leading to confusion and a temporary interruption of academic activities before security agencies intervened.
Following a thorough security assessment, police authorities said there was no indication that armed criminals had entered the community.
“There was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits, and no security breach within the school or anywhere in Oke-Oyi community or Kwara State,” the command stated.
The development comes at a time when security concerns remain high across parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by banditry and kidnapping.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi condemned the dissemination of false security information, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence and divert resources from genuine emergencies.
The command disclosed that efforts are underway to identify the individual responsible for initiating the false alarm.
Police said the person would be invited for questioning and prosecuted if found culpable under relevant laws relating to false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through official channels while avoiding the spread of rumours.
The command reassured residents that adequate security measures remain in place across Kwara State and pledged to maintain proactive surveillance to protect lives and property.
