The Oyo State Police Command has moved to calm public anxiety following reports of an alleged bandit threat in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, confirming that a suspect linked to the discovery of the threatening notes is now in custody.
Reacting to an earlier publication that detailed rising tension in the community over handwritten notes warning of a planned attack, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the individual who allegedly found the note is currently undergoing debriefing as part of ongoing investigations.
According to the police, the Command has launched a full-scale inquiry to determine the true origin, authenticity and intent of the messages, which had sparked panic among residents given the recent killing of five people by suspected bandits at Old Oyo National Park in the same local government area.
“The individual who allegedly discovered the said note is currently undergoing debriefing, while the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin and intent of the note,” the police spokesperson said.
“The Command appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation.”
The police response follows widespread concern after reports emerged that two separate notes, allegedly written by bandits, were dropped at different locations in Ikoyi-Ile, warning residents of an impending attack on January 20, 2026.
The development came barely days after armed men killed five people at Oloka village, intensifying fear across the axis.
While the authenticity of the notes remains unverified, the Command assured residents that intelligence and operational measures have been strengthened in the area to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies as investigations continue.