Tension has gripped Ikoyi Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the discovery of two handwritten threat notes allegedly issued by bandits, warning residents of a planned invasion on January 20.
The anonymous notes, written in both Yoruba and English, were reportedly dropped at the front and rear of a residential building within the community. Neither note carried a name, signature, or address, but their contents immediately sparked fear among residents.
The Yoruba version of the message warned of an impending arrival and urged residents to “prepare for them,” while threatening sorrow and distress in the community. The English note, though poorly constructed, claimed the bandits were sent by the government and instructed residents to “wait for us.”
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The unsettling messages quickly spread across the town, heightening anxiety and prompting increased security concern.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who discovered the notes is currently undergoing debriefing as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to him, the Command has launched a full scale probe to determine the origin, authenticity, and intent behind the threat notes, while Ikoyi Ile and surrounding communities have been placed on 24 hour high alert.
In a statement, DSP Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, had activated intelligence, tactical, and operational response mechanisms to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He said the State Intelligence Department, working alongside tactical units, has commenced intensive debriefing of all persons connected to the discovery, while operational assets have been deployed and repositioned across Ikoyi Ile and neighbouring areas.
As part of heightened security measures, armed patrols, stop and search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been reinforced throughout the axis.
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“Police personnel are currently on 24 hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to exploit the situation,” the statement said, adding that Area Commanders have been directed to ensure continuous patrols and close supervision.
The Police Command assured residents that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property, stressing that all leads are being followed and that anyone behind the threats will be dealt with according to the law.
Residents were urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels, noting that timely information remains critical to preventive policing.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, alongside the Area Commander in Ogbomoso, was said to have visited the community to assess the situation and reinforce confidence among residents.
