The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to viral social media posts and accompanying graphic material falsely alleging that Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State are under invasion by armed bandits targeting schools and children.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the 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.
‘’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’’
She mentioned that the false alarm has sadly led to the de@th of a 24-year-old motorcyclist identified as Kulaha Ayuba, who was accused by some youths of the community of being a Fulani bandi. She mentioned that the youths attacked and fatally ass@ulted him, stole his motorcycle while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.
Adebisi said 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 statement adds 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.