The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to viral social media posts and accompanying graphic material alleging that Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State are under invasion by armed bandits targeting schools and children.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command categorically stated that the claims contained in the circulating posts are “false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents.”
‘’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 Command wishes to reassure members of the public that schools across the state remain safe, while the Police and other security agencies continue to maintain adequate security presence and surveillance in all communities”
She mentioned that the false alarm has sadly led to the de@th of a 24-year-old motorcyclist identified as Kulaha Ayuba, who was accused by some youths of the community of being a bandit. She said they attacked and fatally ass@ulted Ayuba, stole his motorcycle and abandoned his body in a swamp within the community.
Adebisi said following the swift Police intervention, fifteen (15) 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 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. Residents are advised to disregard such posts and refrain from sharing materials whose authenticity has not been verified through official channels. The Command has consistently warned against the spread of false information and fake news capable of jeopardising public peace and security.
Furthermore, individuals found responsible for originating, publishing, or deliberately circulating false and inciting information capable of causing public alarm, disorder, ethnic tension, or violence will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.” the statement further reads