Oyo Police Debunk Viral Claim Of Lukarawa Terrorists In Ogbomoso

The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video and voice note alleging the infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, describing the claims as false and misleading.
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‎The Command in a statement on Wednesday said comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to it do not support the existence of any terrorist movement in the areas mentioned.
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‎It added that preliminary investigations revealed the video being circulated is old and has been recycled deliberately to create fear and panic among residents of Oyo State.
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‎The police urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified security-related content and to seek confirmation from official sources before disseminating such information.
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‎Notwithstanding the falsity of the report, the Command said it has deployed intelligence and covert operatives to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis.
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‎It said operatives are working with local security structures, hunters, vigilante groups, and traditional institutions to strengthen intelligence gathering and response.
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‎The statement added that the Command has also increased visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across Ogbomoso, Old Oyo National Park, and adjoining border communities to reassure residents and deter criminal elements.
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‎It warned that the dissemination of false security information is a criminal offence punishable under extant laws, and vowed to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals or groups found culpable of spreading falsehoods capable of jeopardising public peace.
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‎The Command reassured residents that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the state.
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‎Lukarawa is a new terror group linked to activities in the North-West, but security agencies have repeatedly warned against false alarms linking the group to other regions without verification.
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