Lagos Police Debunk Viral Bandit Invasion Rumours, Arrest 15 Over Mob Killing

 Lagos Police Debunk Viral Bandit Invasion Rumours, Arrest 15 Over Mob Killing

IKEJA, Lagos – 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, warning residents against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and disorder.

The Command said there is no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on schools or communities in any part of Lagos State, assuring residents that adequate security measures remain in place to safeguard lives and property.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command described the circulating posts and graphic materials as unfounded and deliberately designed to create fear and apprehension among members of the public.

According to the police, schools across Lagos remain safe, while security agencies continue to maintain surveillance and security presence in communities across the state.

The Command, however, disclosed that the false alarm had already led to a tragic incident involving the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, identified as Kulaha Ayuba.

Police said some youths, acting on unverified claims that armed bandits had invaded their community, allegedly branded the victim a Fulani bandit and attacked him. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp.

Following swift police intervention, 15 suspects were arrested in connection with the killing and are currently undergoing investigation.

“The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.

The police further condemned the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of inciting public disorder, ethnic profiling, mob action, and hatred against any group of people.

Residents were advised to disregard the viral reports and refrain from sharing information that has not been verified through official channels.

The Command warned that individuals responsible for originating, publishing, or deliberately circulating false and inciting information capable of causing public alarm, ethnic tension, violence, or disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, 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 designated emergency channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Lagos State and assured residents that adequate measures have been put in place to sustain the prevailing calm in the state.