Tension has spread across Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after threatening notes suspected to be from bandits were discovered in the community, triggering an intensive police investigation
Residents became alarmed after rumours circulated that armed attackers were planning to invade the town, prompting heightened fear and anxiety. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the development on Saturday, acknowledging that the discovery of the messages had unsettled the area.
Ikoyi-Ile is located within the same local council where five forest guards were recently killed near the Old Oyo National Park, a violent incident that had already put residents on edge.
Investigations revealed that two different notes were allegedly dropped at separate points of a building in the town, one at the front and the other at the back. Both messages reportedly warned of an impending attack scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
One of the notes, handwritten in Yoruba without any signature or identifiable markings, was reportedly titled “Lati Odo Bandit” and threatened that the community would be invaded on the stated date. The wording urged residents to brace themselves for the arrival of the attackers, using language described as menacing.
The second note, written in English, carried a similarly disturbing message. It claimed the writers had been “working” for three days and alleged they were sent by the government to Ikoyi-Ile, ending with a warning that residents should expect them.
Although the actual authors of the notes and any confirmed link to bandit groups remain unclear, their appearance has heightened tension throughout the community.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies had immediately taken action. He disclosed that the individual who reportedly found the notes is currently being questioned as part of the investigation.
“The person who allegedly discovered the notes is presently undergoing debriefing, and the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the origin and intention behind the messages.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that it has received credible information regarding a handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English languages, allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The note is purported to have been authored by suspected bandits, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community.
“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), immediately activated the Command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response architecture.
“The State Intelligence Department (SID), in close collaboration with tactical units, was directed to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note, while operational assets were promptly deployed and repositioned within Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communities.
“As part of deliberate and visible security actions, armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been significantly reinforced.
“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 equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.
“The Oyo State Police Command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that every lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Ayanlade assured residents that the police are handling the matter with utmost seriousness and urged the public to remain calm, noting that security operatives are fully deployed and updates will be provided as investigations continue.
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