By Our Reporter
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media alert claiming that armed bandits had invaded Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, targeting schools and children.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Lagos State Police Command.
According to the statement issued on Monday, the Command said the reports were unfounded and designed to create fear, panic and unnecessary apprehension among residents.
The police stressed that there is no security crisis, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or elsewhere in Lagos State.
According to the statement, schools across the state remain safe, while the police and other security agencies continue to maintain adequate security presence and surveillance to safeguard lives and property.
The Command, however, disclosed that the spread of the false alarm had already resulted in a tragic loss of life.
It revealed that a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked and killed by some youths who wrongly believed he was a Fulani bandit following the circulation of the unverified reports.
The police said Ayuba was labelled a bandit, assaulted and killed, while his motorcycle was reportedly stolen. His body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
Following a swift police response, 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation.
The Command assured the public that all individuals found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Condemning the circulation of false information, the police warned that the deliberate dissemination of unverified reports capable of inciting public disorder, ethnic profiling, mob violence and hatred against any group would not be tolerated.
Residents were advised to disregard the viral posts and refrain from sharing information whose authenticity has not been verified through official channels.
The police also warned that anyone found responsible for originating, publishing or deliberately spreading false and inflammatory information capable of causing public alarm, ethnic tension or violence would be investigated and prosecuted.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while continuing their daily activities without fear.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or established emergency channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured Lagos residents that adequate security measures have been put in place across the state to sustain the prevailing peace and security.
