Odita Sunday 
Lagos Police dismiss viral bandit invasion alert, arrest 15 over mob killing
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that armed bandits invaded Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state targeting schools and children.
SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, the claims contained in the circulating posts were false, misleading and intended to create fear and panic among residents.
The Command stated that there was 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.
Adebisi reassured residents that schools across the state remained safe, while security agencies continued to maintain adequate surveillance and security presence in communities.
The police, however, disclosed that the spread of the false security alert resulted in the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider identified as Kulaha Ayuba.
According to the statement, some youths in the community allegedly accused the victim of being a Fulani bandit and attacked him based on the unverified reports circulating online.
The Command said Ayuba was fatally assaulted, while his motorcycle was stolen before his body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
Adebisi stated that following swift police intervention, 15 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and were currently under investigation.
The police assured the public that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Command condemned the dissemination of false information capable of inciting ethnic profiling, mob violence and public disorder.
It warned that individuals responsible for originating or circulating false and inciting information capable of causing violence or ethnic tension would be investigated and prosecuted.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
He also advised members of the public to report suspicious activities through official security channels instead of relying on unverified social media reports.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.
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