By Admin
The Lagos State Police Command has debunked social media posts that Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State are under invasion by armed bandits targeting schools and children as untrue.
In a statement signed by Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO 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 therefore reassured 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.
The statement added that, “Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life, of one Kulaha Ayuba ‘m’, aged 24 years, a commercial motorcycle rider, some youths of the community, acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.
“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 therefore condemned 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.
Lagos state Police Command stressed that 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 Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing with their lawful activities without fear. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the nearest police station or established emergency channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.