The Ogun State Police Command on Friday debunked widespread rumours alleging the presence of bandits in Lusada community, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, moved swiftly to calm rising tension triggered by viral voice notes circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, which claimed that suspected bandits had relocated to the area.
In one of the audio messages, a man who identified himself as an Islamic cleric warned residents in Yoruba to remain vigilant, alleging that criminal elements had infiltrated the community.
Another voice note, delivered in English, reinforced the claim and urged heightened caution among residents.
The rumours had sparked anxiety across Lusada and neighbouring communities, prompting fears of a possible security threat.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command responded promptly to the situation by deploying the Area Commander of Agbara Area Command, ACP Folashade Tanaruno, to assess the situation and reassure residents.
Babaseyi, in a statement, said the Area Commander led an extensive patrol operation across Lusada and adjoining areas, demonstrating police presence and operational readiness.
“The confidence-building patrols effectively dispelled the fear and restored public calm as officers engaged directly with community members,” he said.
He added that residents were sensitised on security consciousness, while police authorities strengthened collaboration with community leaders to enhance intelligence gathering.
As part of proactive measures, the command also shared contact details of Divisional Police Officers and other key personnel with stakeholders to ensure swift communication and response to any security concerns.
Babaseyi further noted that coordinated convoy patrols involving multiple divisions under the Area Command were conducted to reinforce the command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, the statement reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Ojajuni urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to disregard unverified information capable of inciting panic, while encouraging them to provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.
The police reiterated that there was no evidence of bandits operating in Lusada, assuring the public of sustained surveillance and rapid response to any emerging threats.
