OYO POLICE DEBUNK VIRAL CLAIM OF “300” LUKARAWA TERRORISTS’ INVASION

OYO POLICE DEBUNK VIRAL CLAIM OF “300” LUKARAWA TERRORISTS’ INVASION

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video alleging that about 300 Lukarawa terrorists had entered the state, assuring residents that there is no security threat of such nature within its jurisdiction.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification revealed that the video was deliberately designed to create fear, panic and tension among members of the public.

According to the statement, investigations showed that the voice narration attached to the video had been linked to similar false information previously investigated and debunked by the police.

The command said intelligence gathered from operatives across border communities, backed by its early warning and response mechanisms, found no evidence to support the claims contained in the video.

It further disclosed that a joint verification exercise conducted with neighbouring police commands confirmed that the information was entirely unfounded. Findings also revealed that the video was neither recently recorded nor filmed in Nigeria.

The police warned against the dissemination of false security information capable of undermining public peace and order, stressing that anyone found spreading such content would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, to safeguarding lives and property across the state and maintaining the security gains recorded in recent times.

The command urged residents to remain calm and obtain security-related information only from verified and official sources.