Police debunk bandit invasion rumours in Lagos, arrest 15

Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that armed bandits had invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, describing the claims as false and deliberately designed to incite fear among residents.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police said there was no security threat, invasion or coordinated attack on schools and communities anywhere in Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Police Command categorically states that the claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents,” the statement said.

The command reassured residents that schools across the state remained safe and that security agencies had maintained adequate surveillance and security presence in communities.

“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State,” the police stated.

The command, however, disclosed that the circulation of the false alarm had led to the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, identified as Kulaha Ayuba.

According to the police, some youths in the community allegedly acted on unverified reports of a bandit invasion and wrongly identified Ayuba as a Fulani bandit before attacking him.

“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life. One Kulaha Ayuba, male, aged 24 years, a commercial motorcycle rider, was allegedly labelled a Fulani bandit by some youths of the community and fatally assaulted,” the statement added.

The police said Ayuba’s motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.

Following swift intervention by security operatives, 15 suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting with investigations.

“Following the swift Police intervention, fifteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation. The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the police said.

The command condemned the spread of unverified information capable of causing public disorder, ethnic profiling and mob violence, warning residents against sharing unconfirmed reports on social media.

“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people,” the statement noted.

The police also warned that individuals found responsible for originating or deliberately circulating false and inflammatory information capable of causing panic, ethnic tension or violence would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, urged Lagos residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.

He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through official security channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.

“The Command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and assures all Lagosians that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the state to sustain the peace and security currently being enjoyed,” the statement added.