The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading viral social media reports alleging that armed bandits had invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, targeting schools and children.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said there was no security crisis, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or anywhere else in Lagos State.
According to the police, the claims contained in the circulating posts were unfounded and deliberately designed to create fear, panic and apprehension among residents.
“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 remain safe and that security agencies have maintained adequate security presence and surveillance in all communities.
The police, however, revealed that the spread of the false alarm had already led to a tragic loss of life.
According to the statement, a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked and killed by some youths who wrongly believed he was among armed bandits invading the area.
The police said the youths reportedly labelled the victim a Fulani bandit, assaulted him fatally, stole his motorcycle and later dumped his body in a swamp within the community.
Following swift police intervention, 15 suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and are currently being investigated.
The Command assured the public that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also 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.
The police advised residents to disregard such reports and avoid sharing information that has not been verified through official channels, warning that fake news poses a serious threat to public peace and security.
The Command further warned that individuals found responsible for originating, publishing or deliberately circulating false and inciting information capable of causing public alarm, ethnic tension, disorder or violence would be investigated and prosecuted under relevant laws.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while going about their lawful activities without fear.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or established emergency channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring Lagosians that adequate security measures have been put in place across the state to sustain peace and security.