The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of two handwritten notes in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, allegedly warning of a planned bandit invasion of the community on January 20.
The notes, written in both Yoruba and English, were reportedly found at the front and back of a residential building. They bore no names, addresses, or identifying details of the authors.
One of the notes written in Yoruba warned residents to prepare for the attackers’ arrival, while the English version suggested that the bandits were acting on alleged instructions linked to government authorities in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who discovered the notes is currently being debriefed, adding that the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin, intent, and authenticity of the threats.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has ordered the immediate deployment of intelligence, tactical, and operational units to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.
According to the police, the State Intelligence Department, in collaboration with tactical units, has begun questioning individuals connected to the discovery of the notes. Security presence has also been reinforced across Ikoyi-Ile and neighbouring communities, with armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance activities intensified.
“Police personnel are currently on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situation. The Area Command has been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis,” the Command said.
Residents were urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while promptly reporting any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or emergency channels. The police assured that all leads were being pursued and that those behind the threat would be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, visited the community alongside the Area Commander, Ogbomoso, to assess the security situation.
The development comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service office in Oloka Community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, killing five forest rangers. During the attack, the assailants reportedly opened fire on the building, triggering an explosion after a gas cylinder was hit. One ranger was burnt beyond recognition, while another sustained injuries. The attackers also carted away rifles and motorcycles belonging to the rangers.
Residents have suggested the earlier attack may have been retaliatory, following the arrest of suspected bandits by forest rangers and their handover to the police. Concerns have also been raised about the National Park’s proximity to forest corridors linking Niger, Kwara, and parts of Oyo State, which may ease the movement of armed groups.
Police investigations into the threatening notes are ongoing as security agencies maintain heightened vigilance in Ikoyi-Ile and surrounding communities.
