The Lagos police command says a commercial motorcyclist was killed by a mob after residents, acting on false reports of a bandit invasion, allegedly mistook him for a criminal amid growing fears over insecurity.
In a statement on Monday, Abimbola Adebisi, spokesperson of the command, dismissed viral social media posts claiming that armed bandits had invaded Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos state and were targeting schools and children.
Adebisi described the reports as false and warned residents against sharing unverified information capable of causing panic and public disorder.
“The claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents,” the statement reads.
“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.”
The police spokesperson said schools across the state remain safe, adding that security agencies have continued to maintain surveillance and adequate presence in communities.
Adebisi said the spread of the false alarm had already resulted in “a tragic and avoidable loss of life”, identifying the victim as Kulaha Ayuba, a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider.
“Some youths of the community, acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him,” she said.
“His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.”
According to the police spokesperson, 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation.
“The command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” she added.
“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people.
“The command warned that individuals found to have originated or deliberately circulated false and inciting information would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
She said Tijani Fatai, commissioner of police in Lagos, urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo state.
