The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Friday debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that suspected bandits attacked commuters along the Iwo–Osogbo Road, warning the public against spreading false information capable of causing panic.
Akanbi challenged anyone with credible evidence of an attack on the route to come forward, insisting that the reports were fabricated and malicious.
There was widespread panic in Osun State on Wednesday night after several Facebook posts alleged that gunmen were sighted between Osuntedo and Idoo communities along the road.
The posts, which lacked specifics, claimed that some commuters had raised the alarm after allegedly seeing armed men by the roadside.
Multiple voice notes shared on various social media platforms also fueled the rumour.
However, reacting in a statement sent to our correspondent on Friday, the monarch said Osun remained safe and urged residents to be promoters of truth rather than agents of fear.
“The report of a bandits’ attack along the Iwo–Osogbo Road yesterday was not true. It was a blatant lie concocted to discredit the route. Osun State remains peaceful,” Akanbi said.
“The historical harmony of Osun is strong. Osun is the most peaceful state. No fake news should be allowed to fly. There was no bandit attack along the Iwo–Osogbo Road yesterday. I challenge anyone with evidence of an attack to present it. Be assured, Iwo is secure under my reign. If there is any attack, I will be there myself to defend my people,” he added.
The royal father advised residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property.
PUNCH Online reported on Thursday that the Osun State Police Command also dismissed the rumoured attacks, describing them as false.
The Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, clarified that the incident being circulated was a case of mob action triggered by a false alarm, not a bandits’ attack.
According to Ojelabi, trouble began when a Toyota Sienna collided with the rear of a commercial bus around the Gbongan axis on Wednesday.
The occupants of the bus, who believed their vehicle had not been damaged, refused to stop. The aggrieved Sienna driver then raised an alarm, falsely accusing them of being kidnappers.
“This false alarm triggered an angry mob that pursued and eventually blocked the bus. The mob attacked the occupants and vandalised the vehicle while attempting to lynch them,” Ojelabi said.
He explained that a local hunter intervened and rescued the victims before taking them and their damaged vehicle to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.
“The mob trailed them to the station, creating serious tension. Reinforcement was deployed from Osogbo to restore calm. The victims are safe and in protective custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest members of the mob,” he added.
The Command condemned the growing trend of false alarms and unverified social media reports capable of inciting public fear and endangering innocent lives. It urged residents to always verify information and avoid jungle justice.
“Any suspicion should be reported to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines: 08039537995/ 08123823981,” Ojelabi said.
