Police arrest pastor, woman over false alarm on bandit attack in Oyo community
Oyo Police Arrest Two for Spreading False Information About Alleged Bandit Attack
The Oyo State Police Command has detained two individuals for allegedly disseminating false information regarding a purported bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area. Authorities have confirmed that no such incident occurred.
The suspects, identified as a pastor and a female resident, were apprehended following an investigation that traced the origin of reports claiming that six individuals had been killed in the supposed bandit invasion.
In a statement released Monday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade noted that the police acted swiftly upon receiving reports circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The messages claimed armed bandits had invaded the Lamini Community, which generated significant fear among local residents and raised security concerns.
Ayanlade indicated that police operatives and tactical units were dispatched to the area to verify the claims and provide reassurance to the community. Investigations revealed that no attack had taken place.
The police spokesperson stated that intelligence gathering and forensic analysis led to the identification of Pastor Amos Muyiwa, who allegedly recorded and shared a voice message about the incident. He reportedly confessed to circulating the information without verifying its accuracy. Further inquiries linked the false claims to a woman identified as Mulikat Bashiru, who was also arrested.
Both suspects are currently assisting investigators as efforts continue to ascertain whether additional individuals were involved in creating or spreading the false information.
The police command emphasized the dangers posed by unverified information, labeling misinformation as a threat to public safety and confidence. Ayanlade cautioned that false security alerts can incite unnecessary panic, disrupt economic and social activities, and divert law enforcement resources from real emergencies.
Residents are urged to verify sensitive information prior to sharing, underscoring the importance of responsible social media usage, particularly concerning matters of public safety and security.
