The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed the circulation of an old video clip of an abduction incident on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as misleading, warning the public against spreading false information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, on Monday, August 18, 2025, the Command clarified that the viral footage making the rounds on social media was from an incident that occurred at the Onigari end of the expressway on January 7, 2022. He said the clip, which shows a shooting victim, had been wrongly linked to present-day security concerns.
“The recent sharing of outdated and misleading video clips, especially at a time when our security framework is effectively operational, is viewed as an attempt by certain individuals to sow discord and fear within the community,” the statement read.
The police emphasized that victims of the 2022 incident were rescued unharmed, while the perpetrators had since been apprehended and prosecuted under the law.
Meanwhile, the Command announced that it has intensified security measures across major highways through the Ogun-Oyo Joint Security Committee. The initiative, according to CSP Osifeso, involves robust visibility patrols, intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations, and enhanced monitoring of boundary communities to deter crime and safeguard commuters.
He warned against the circulation of unverified information, stressing that legal action would be taken against individuals who deliberately spread falsehoods to create tension in the state.
“The Command is fully committed to safeguarding all residents of Oyo State and calls on the public to assist by refraining from disseminating unverified information. It is crucial for individuals to ensure they are sharing credible and accurate information to promote a safe environment,” the PPRO added.
The police further encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Center toll-free line 615, or the Control Room lines: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
Reiterating its call for community cooperation, the Command urged the public to embrace the mantra: “If you see something, say something.”
