The Lagos State Police Command has warned residents against spreading unverified security alerts after false reports of bandit attacks in parts of the state sparked panic and led to the death of a young motorcyclist.
The command dismissed viral social media claims that armed bandits had invaded communities including Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Oke-Afo to target schools and children, insisting there was no such threat anywhere in Lagos.
Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi said the reports were fabricated to create fear and confusion among members of the public.
“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.”
According to the police, the false information had devastating consequences. A 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked and killed by some youths who wrongly believed he was one of the suspected bandits.
“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.”
The command disclosed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and are being investigated.
Police assured residents that anyone found responsible for the attack would be prosecuted. They also warned that individuals behind the creation and circulation of false, inflammatory information capable of causing public unrest, ethnic tension or violence would face legal action.
