Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of a commercial motorcyclist who was allegedly lynched by a mob after being mistaken for a criminal amid false reports of a bandit invasion in parts of the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi dismissed viral social media claims that armed bandits had invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other areas of Lagos State, targeting schools and children.
Adebisi described the reports as false, misleading and capable of causing widespread panic among residents.
“The claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents,” the statement read.
“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.”
The police spokesperson assured residents that schools across the state remain safe, adding that security agencies have maintained surveillance and adequate presence in affected communities.
According to the command, the spread of the false information contributed to “a tragic and avoidable loss of life.”
The victim, identified as 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked by residents who wrongly believed he was one of the suspected bandits.
“Some youths of the community, acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him,” Adebisi said.
“His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.”
The police disclosed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting with investigations.
“The command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Adebisi added.
She further condemned the deliberate circulation of unverified information capable of inciting violence and ethnic profiling.
“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people.
“The command warned that individuals found to have originated or deliberately circulated false and inciting information would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified reports and continue their lawful activities without fear.
The incident comes amid heightened public anxiety over security challenges following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
