The Oyo State police command, on Sunday, debunked a viral video alleging the movement of about 300 Lakurawa terrorists into the state, describing it as false and deliberately crafted to cause fear and heightened tension among members of the public.
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A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, further described the viral video as misleading and aimed to cause panic among the people.
A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, further described the viral video as misleading and aimed to cause panic among the people.
The PPRO explained that findings from the forensic review revealed that the voice overlay in the circulated video, purportedly credited to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, corresponded with earlier false information previously investigated and debunked by the command.
Ayanlade said the command would continue to deploy all lawful measures to preserve the security gains recorded in recent times and ensure that any person or group seeking to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the state was arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The statement read, “The Oyo State Police, 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.
“Findings from the forensic review revealed that the voice overlay in the circulated video, purportedly credited to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, corresponds with earlier false information previously investigated and debunked by the command.
“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.
“In addition to these findings, a joint verification process maintained in collaboration with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the information is entirely unfounded.
“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 command warned individuals and groups against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public peace.
“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.
“As part of its ongoing mandate to maintain peace and public confidence, the Oyo State police command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.”
The PPRO said the command would continue to deploy all lawful measures to preserve the security gains recorded in recent times and ensure that any person or group seeking to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the State is arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The command, therefore, advised members of the public to rely only on verified and official channels for security-related information and to remain calm and law-abiding.
