The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that armed bandits had invaded parts of the state, describing the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.
The command also confirmed that panic generated by the false alarm led to the killing of a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kulaha Ayuba, who was wrongly identified and attacked by youths in the community.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said there was no security breach or coordinated bandit attack in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.
“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 statement said.
The police spokesperson added that security operatives remain deployed across communities and schools to ensure public safety and maintain surveillance.
“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,” Adebisi stated.
However, the command expressed regret that the false alarm escalated into violence, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist who was wrongly profiled as a suspect.
“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life of one Kulaha Ayuba, a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider,” the statement read.
According to the police, the victim was attacked by some youths who allegedly believed he was a “Fulani bandit” amid the panic triggered by the circulating rumours.
“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,” Adebisi said.
She further disclosed that the victim’s motorcycle was stolen during the attack, while his body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
“His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community,” she added.
The police confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident 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 command also warned against the spread of misinformation capable of inciting violence, stressing that individuals responsible for circulating false and inflammatory content would be prosecuted.
“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,” the police warned.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, encouraging the public to verify information before sharing and to report suspicious activities through official channels.
Authorities also reiterated that schools and communities across the state remain secure, while local government officials in Ibeju-Lekki and Imota have issued separate reassurances to residents, urging calm and discouraging ethnic profiling or vigilante actions.
