Police Debunk Alleged Bandit Invasion in Kwara Communities, Warn Against Spread of Fake Security Alerts
Panic gripped several communities in the Agbabiaka axis of Gaa-Akanbi, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, including Onireke, Atere, and Opolo, on Thursday following reports of an alleged bandit invasion.
The alarm sparked widespread fear among residents, prompting many parents and guardians to rush to both public and private schools to pick up their children over concerns for their safety. Academic activities were temporarily disrupted as schools witnessed an influx of anxious parents.
However, the Kwara State Police Command has dismissed the report as false and misleading, assuring residents that there was no bandit attack or security breach in any of the affected communities.
Speaking with KwaraReporters on condition of anonymity, the principal of one of the affected schools described the situation as a moment of confusion and panic triggered by unverified reports.
"We received calls and visits from worried parents who had heard rumours of a bandit invasion in the area. Many of them rushed to the school to pick up their children as a precaution. We had no choice but to allow the students to go home," the principal said.
The school administrator urged residents to verify security information through official channels before sharing it, noting that false alarms could create unnecessary fear and disrupt educational activities.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Command had also received a similar report alleging a bandit invasion at Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, describing the information as entirely misleading.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, condemned the spread of fake security alerts, warning that such actions endanger public peace and could divert security attention from genuine threats.
He stressed that misinformation on security matters remains a serious offence capable of attracting legal consequences.
The Police Command further disclosed that efforts have commenced to identify and invite the woman responsible for the false alarm for questioning, adding that she would be prosecuted in line with laws against spreading false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Residents of the state were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid spreading unverified security reports capable of causing panic and confusion.
The Command assured the public that Kwara remains safe and that adequate security deployments are in place across the state to respond promptly to any genuine threat.
The Police also urged residents to channel security concerns through official platforms rather than relying on rumours or social media panic alerts.
Meanwhile, normalcy has gradually returned to the affected schools and communities following assurances from security operatives that there is no threat to lives or property in the area.
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