Bandits Issue Attack Warning in Oyo Community, Police Intensify Security

Threatening Notes Spark Panic in Ikoyi-Ile

Residents of Ikoyi-Ile, a community within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria, are experiencing heightened fear following the discovery of handwritten notes allegedly issued by bandits. The notes explicitly warn of a planned invasion on January 20, 2026, causing widespread panic among the populace.

The threatening messages, found at a residential building, were written in both Yoruba and English. One of the notes, in Yoruba, reportedly stated: 'Lati Odo Bandit, A o wa ni January 20th, 2026. E duro de wa ati pe ki e mu ra fun wa le. A wa lati wa fun yin ni ibanuje ni orilede yin. Ni Ikoyi-Ile Ile Oyo State. E mu ra le fun wa.' This translates to a warning from bandits to 'wait for us and prepare for us' as they intend to 'bring sorrow' to Ikoyi-Ile. The English version read: 'Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi–Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.'

Police Launch Investigation and Deploy Security

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the alleged threat notes and has initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain their origin and authenticity. DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), stated that the individual who found the notes is currently undergoing debriefing. Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has directed the activation of the Command's intelligence, tactical, and operational units to respond to the report and prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.

In response to the threat, security measures have been significantly reinforced across Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communities. These measures include:

• Armed patrols
• Stop-and-search operations
• Intelligence surveillance
• Strategic area dominance

Police personnel are reportedly on a 24-hour high alert, maintaining a sustained ground presence to deter criminal elements. Residents have been urged to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station or emergency channels.

Context of Recent Security Challenges

This latest incident occurs against a backdrop of recent security challenges in the region. Just days prior, the same Oriire Local Government Area experienced a violent attack at the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka village. In that incident, approximately 12 suspected bandits reportedly attacked a National Park Service office, resulting in the deaths of five forest guards. The proximity of the National Park to a forest corridor linking Niger, Kwara, and other parts of Oyo State has raised concerns about the ease of movement for armed groups.