Panic in Osun! Viral bandit attack that never happened exposed by police

There was widespread panic across Osun State on Wednesday following viral social media reports claiming that bandits had attacked commuters along the Osogbo–Iwo Road.

Several Facebook posts and voice notes alleged that gunmen were sighted between the Osuntedo and Idoo communities, sparking fear among residents and travellers. However, the posts lacked verifiable details, with many users admitting that the information came from unnamed sources.

Reacting to the reports, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, dismissed the claims on Thursday, stating that no herdsmen or bandits attacked the route.

Ojelabi explained that the panic stemmed from a misunderstanding following a minor road accident on 18th November 2025. At around 12:30 pm, a Toyota Sienna collided with the rear of a bungle bus (registration number EPE 449 YLY) near Gbongan. The bus was travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo.

“The collision damaged the Toyota Sienna’s bumper, but the bus occupants refused to stop. The Sienna driver, aggrieved by the refusal, raised an alarm accusing the two brothers in the bus of being kidnappers and thieves,” Ojelabi said.

The allegation triggered an angry mob, which pursued and blocked the bus, attacking the occupants and vandalising the vehicle while attempting to lynch them. A local hunter intervened, rescuing the victims and taking them to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters for safety. The mob trailed them to the station, creating tension, but tactical police teams quickly restored order.

“The victims are presently safe and in protective custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest members of the mob involved in vandalism and attempted jungle justice,” Ojelabi added.

The police condemned the circulation of “false alarms and unverified information capable of causing panic and endangering innocent lives,” urging residents to verify information before sharing and to report suspicions to the nearest police station or via the emergency lines: 08039537995/08123823981.

This is not the first time the Osun State Police Command has dismissed false claims. In September 2025, the command clarified that a viral video alleging bandit attacks at Omi Funfun, Ora Igbomina, in Ifedayo Local Government Area actually depicted an incident in Kwara State.