By Desire Emmanuel
The plan by an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and his friends to celebrate a lady’s birthday caused the false alarm that led to a pandemonium in Ogbomosho community in Oyo State.
The state police command disclosed this on Tuesday afternoon after its men visited the community following the confusion that led many people, especially students, to flee in different direction.
According to the command, preliminary investigation revealed that the individuals involved were an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Kwara State Command, Ilorin, alongside two other civilians who were found in a Toyota Venza.
When they were questioned, they explained that they had merely visited a lady in the area in celebration of her birthday.
Earlier on Tuesday, May 19, panic spread across parts of Ogbomosho and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, following rumours alleging that armed bandits had attacked the area and invaded the vicinity of Are-Ago High School, Ogbomosho.
Considering the fear and apprehension generated by the report, the command said it immediately deployed surveillance and patrol teams to the scene to ascertain the true situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Upon arrival at the location, operatives met the school principal, Mrs. Ruth Akanbi, who explained that the alarm originated from information circulated among some students who claimed that certain unfamiliar individuals were sighted behind the school fence.
This naturally raised suspicion among some teachers and students, prompting immediate concern within the school environment.
It was further observed that during the interaction, an altercation reportedly occurred between some teachers and the officer, which inadvertently heightened suspicion within the school premises.
Consequently, some students began spreading unverified claims to neighbouring schools and surrounding communities, thereby escalating panic and tension across parts of Ogbomoso and Ajaawa Town before the actual facts of the incident were established.
Also in the course of verification and due diligence, relevant NSCDC authorities in Ogbomosho and Ilorin were equally contacted to confirm the identity and status of the officer involved and he was confirmed to be a member of the outfit.
“Consequently, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that there was no bandit attack, invasion, or any form of security breach in the affected areas as falsely portrayed.
“In response to the situation, patrols and visibility policing around the affected communities were immediately intensified, while critical stakeholders were engaged to reassure residents and restore public confidence. The area remains peaceful, while normal academic, commercial, and social activities have since resumed,” the command announced in a statement on Tuesday.
