- Safiu Kehinde
Oyo State Police Command have dismissed the alleged Boko Haram invasion attempt as captured in a viral video circulated on social media.
The Command, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, CSP Osifeso Adewale, held that the video which allegedly depicted articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, was a recycled clip from 2022.
According to Osifeso, the truck was intercepted along Ibadan express road.
While allaying concern over threat to safety and security of the state, the Command’s spokesperson described the re-emergence of the video as a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest within the community.
He further confirmed the outdated nature of the video with the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who was captured in it.
Adeyemo, according to the statement, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service.
While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of residents in the state, the Command urged the public avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that have been previously resolved.
The Command further admonished citizens to adopt a cautious approach when sharing information and ensure that it is thoroughly verified through credible sources before dissemination.
The statement read in part; “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of Oyo State by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express Road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022.
“We wish to assure the public that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of Oyo State.
“The re-emergence of this video, particularly during a period of enhanced security, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest within the community.
“The Command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service.
“The Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all residents in Oyo State. In light of this, we kindly request that the public avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that have been previously resolved.
“Additionally, we strongly encourage citizens to adopt a cautious approach when sharing information, ensuring that it is thoroughly verified through credible sources before dissemination on social media and other platforms, thereby mitigating the risk of public alarm and disruption to social order.
“In case of emergency, the Command can be contacted through the following numbers: OYO STATE CALL RESPONSE CENTER TOLL-FREE LINE: 615
“OYO STATE POLICE COMMAND CONTROL ROOM LINES: 08081768614, 09054133071 & 09061299291
“If you notice any suspicious activities, please report them. Together, we can uphold the safety and security of our community.”