Police Refute Claims of Bandit Invasion in Lagos State
The Lagos State Police Command has officially denied viral social media reports claiming that armed bandits have invaded several areas of the state, including Oke-Afo, Imota, and Ibeju-Lekki. Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi stated that there is no coordinated attack, security crisis, or invasion of any schools or communities in the state.
Authorities warned that these unfounded rumors, which circulated alongside graphic videos and images, were designed to incite panic and fear among residents. The command emphasized that the claims are misleading and lack any factual basis.
The spread of this misinformation has already resulted in a fatality. A 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was attacked and killed by youths who mistook him for a bandit based on unverified online reports. The police reported that the victim was labeled a Fulani bandit before being assaulted to death, and his body was later found in a swamp.
Following the incident, police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with the lynching. The command also noted that the victim's motorcycle was allegedly stolen during the attack.
In a related clarification, the police refuted another viral video claiming that armed Fulani men had been arrested in Ikorodu. Ms. Adebisi explained that the footage was more than three years old and does not reflect the current security situation in the state.
Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai has urged the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant. He encouraged residents to continue their daily activities without fear and to report any suspicious activities to established police stations rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
