The Nigeria Police Force in Osun State has arrested four suspects in Ila-Orangun for allegedly inciting panic over a purported bandit attack.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to Ojelabi, the suspects allegedly inscribed the words “BANDIT TODAY TODAY” on the wall of a residential building in the Ajegunle area of Ila-Orangun on February 18. The inscription reportedly triggered widespread fear among residents, with some fleeing their homes over concerns of an imminent banditry invasion.
“Immediately the report was received, operatives of the State Intelligence Department swung into action,” Ojelabi said. “Through diligent intelligence analysis, the suspects, based in the Ila-Orangun axis, were arrested.”
Preliminary investigations, he added, revealed that one of the suspects admitted to writing the message on the wall. The suspect reportedly confessed to the act, claiming it was done out of ignorance without anticipating the panic it would cause.
The police spokesperson stated that the alleged offences border on conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. He emphasized that spreading false information or engaging in actions capable of generating fear among residents constitutes a serious security concern.
Ojelabi urged members of the public to refrain from acts that could incite panic or disrupt social order. He advised residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, assuring them that security agencies are fully committed to maintaining peace and stability across the state.
He further reiterated that the police command remains proactive in intelligence gathering and rapid response to potential threats, noting that Osun has long been regarded as one of the more peaceful states in the country.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
