The Oyo State government has warned against the recirculation of outdated videos depicting criminal activities in Ibadan and urged citizens to refrain from spreading contents that could incite fear and panic.
In a statement released on Monday, November 4 by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government condemned the use of old video footages to misrepresent the current security situation in the state describing it as mischievous.
The statement maintained that these videos; one of which was a 10 year old and the other over 5 year old video of kidnapper’s den in Ibadan, being recirculated are capable of misleading the public and undermining ongoing security efforts to combat crime.
The Governor’s Spokesman emphasized that the state has made significant strides in enhancing security and reducing crime rates by investing heavily on security and working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies.
He stressed that the Makinde led administration will continue to prioritize security to sustain and improve on the relative peace and tranquility in the state, calling on residents to disregard the circulating videos in their entirety.
Dr Sulaimon urged citizens to verify the authenticity of any information before sharing it, noting that spreading false narratives could have dire consequences for community safety.
The government reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining safety and security in the state, urging residents to freely go about their lawful businesses.
“It has come to the notice of Oyo State Government that some old videos about kidnappers’ dens in Ibadan are being re-circulated by mischief makers as if they are recent ones.
“These videos are not recent because the incidents they depict happened in 2014 and 2019. They should, therefore, be discountenanced.
“One of the videos shows kidnappers’ dens in Soka area of Ibadan, while the other is about an illegal rehabilitation centre in Olore, Ojoo, Ibadan.
It is public knowledge that the Soka incident happened in March 2014 – more than ten years ago.
“The second one on a supposed rehabilitation centre in Ojoo, Ibadan, was uncovered in 2019 – more than five years ago.
“The intention of those circulating the old videos and passing them off as new is to create unnecessary panic in the state.
“The government urges the mischief makers to stop their antics while we also call on members of the public not to help them push their evil agenda of creating fear among the populace.
“The Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remains resolute on its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of everyone in the state.
“Oyo State Government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and is determined to do even more to ensure round the clock safety of lives and properties in the state.
“The government, again, urges members of the public to disregard the videos, one of which is over ten-years old, the other more than five-years old. The people should go about their normal businesses without any form of fear.” Dr Olanrewaju said.