The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said a viral video and voice note circulating on social media were being deliberately recycled and falsely linked to Oyo State to create unnecessary fear among residents.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the video is not recent and had appeared online previously before being repackaged with claims of terrorist activities in the state. The command stressed that available intelligence and security assessments have not identified the presence or movement of any terrorist group within the affected areas.
Despite dismissing the claims, the police said security measures have been strengthened across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park corridor, and nearby border communities. Additional intelligence personnel and covert operatives have been deployed to enhance surveillance and improve early threat detection.
The command also disclosed that it is collaborating with traditional rulers, community leaders, local vigilantes, hunters, and other grassroots security groups to boost information gathering and maintain public safety.
To reassure residents, the police have intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations. Authorities urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified security information, warning that misinformation can cause panic and weaken public confidence.
While concerns about insecurity remain high across parts of the country, the Oyo State Police Command maintained that there is currently no credible evidence linking the Lakurawa group to any activity within the state.
