Oyo State police arrest two over false bandit attack claim

Police in Oyo State have arrested two individuals for allegedly creating and spreading a false report of a deadly bandit attack in a local community. The arrests followed an investigation into a widely circulated social media message that claimed six people were killed by armed bandits in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area.

According to a police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command's attention was drawn to a viral voice note on WhatsApp and other platforms alleging the attack. The publication generated significant fear, panic, and apprehension among residents, creating unnecessary tension in the area.

In response, police said they immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community to verify the claim, reassure the public, and douse the tension. A thorough on-the-ground assessment conclusively established that no such bandit invasion or killings had occurred.

The state Commissioner of Police subsequently directed a comprehensive investigation into the origin of the false information. This intelligence-driven probe, supported by forensic analysis, traced the voice note to Pastor Amos Muyiwa. Police stated that Muyiwa admitted to authoring and...