Osun State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that bandits were preparing to launch an attack on Ilesa, describing the claim as false, misleading, and intended to create unnecessary fear among residents.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the footage circulating online was artificially generated and crafted to incite panic.
“The attention of the Police Command has been drawn to a viral AI-generated video circulating on social media, falsely claiming that bandits are advancing towards Ilesa, Osun State. This allegation is baseless, misleading, and deliberately designed to instil fear, cause panic, and disrupt public peace,” he said.
Ojelabi condemned the growing misuse of artificial intelligence tools to spread misinformation and warned the public against creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified content that could endanger the peace of the state.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has already deployed both covert and overt operatives to the Ilesa axis and other strategic locations across the state to ensure security and prevent any potential breach of law and order.
He urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08039537995 and 08123823981.
Ojelabi reiterated that the Osun State Police Command remains fully committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents.