Police reveal truth behind viral ‘300 Lakurawa terrorists in Oyo’ video

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral video claiming that about 300 Lakurawa terrorists had moved into the state, describing the claim as false, misleading and deliberately designed to create panic.

The Command, in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said forensic analysis and intelligence checks carried out on the video showed that the allegation was untrue.

According to the police, the video was carefully crafted to heighten fear among residents and worsen tension across the state.

“The Oyo State Police Command, following a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification, has confirmed that the viral video alleging the movement of about 300 Lakurawa terrorists into Oyo State is false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to cause fear, panic, and heightened tension among members of the public,” the statement read.

The Command said forensic review of the clip showed that the voice overlay, allegedly linked to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched earlier false information previously investigated and debunked by the police.

It added that intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities also found no evidence to support the claim that terrorists had entered the state.

“Building on this discovery, further intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities, supported by the Command’s strengthened early warning and response mechanisms, found no evidence to support the claim contained in the video,” the police said.

The Command further disclosed that joint verification with neighbouring police formations confirmed that the information was entirely unfounded.

“In addition to these findings, a joint verification process maintained in collaboration with neighbouring Police Commands independently confirmed that the information is entirely unfounded,” it added.

Police also revealed that investigations established that the video in circulation was neither recorded in Nigeria nor linked to any recent event.

“Investigations also established that the video currently in circulation was neither recorded in Nigeria nor is it a recent occurrence, further reinforcing the conclusion that the content was designed to mislead the public,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in Oyo following recent attacks on schools in the state, during which several teachers and students were reportedly kidnapped.

The police warned individuals and groups against spreading false security information capable of disrupting public peace, saying anyone found culpable would face the law.

“In light of these developments, the Command warns individuals and groups against the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of undermining public peace and security. Anyone found disseminating false information intended to incite panic or disrupt public order will be investigated and made to face the full weight of the law,” it warned.

The Command urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and rely only on verified official channels for security updates.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga.