We are coming: Tension rises in Community as Bandits’ drop letter of impending attack

We are coming: Tension rises in Community as Bandits’ drop letter of impending attack

An atmosphere of anxiety has enveloped Ikoyi-Ile, a town in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, after residents reportedly found two handwritten notes threatening an attack by suspected bandits on January 20.

The messages, written separately in Yoruba and English, were said to have been dropped at different points specifically the front and rear of a residential house in the community. Neither note contained any identifiable name or contact address.

The Yoruba message stated:
“Lati Odo Bandit, A o wa ni January 20th, 2026. E duro de wa ati pe ki e mu ra fun wa le. A wa lati wa fun yin ni ibanuje ni orilede yin. Ni Ikoyi-Ile Ile Oyo State. E mu ra le fun wa.”

The English version read:
“Bandit information. See, now, Three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi–Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.”

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the individual who allegedly came across the notes is currently being questioned by the police.

According to him, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish where the notes originated from, whether the threats are credible, and the motive behind them. He added that Ikoyi-Ile and neighbouring communities have been placed under round-the-clock security surveillance.

DSP Ayanlade explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has ordered the activation of intelligence, tactical, and operational strategies aimed at preventing any potential breach of peace.

He said officers from the State Intelligence Department (SID), working alongside tactical teams, have begun detailed debriefing of individuals linked to the discovery of the notes, while security assets have been deployed and repositioned across Ikoyi-Ile and nearby areas.

To further reassure residents, the police have intensified visible security actions, including armed patrols, stop-and-search duties, intelligence monitoring, and strategic domination of key locations.

“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 also been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis,” the statement read.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in Ikoyi-Ile and across Oyo State, noting that all credible leads are being followed and that anyone found behind the threats will face the full weight of the law.

Residents were advised to continue their legitimate activities without panic but to remain vigilant.

The police also appealed to the public to report any suspicious individuals, movements, or activities to the nearest police formation or through established emergency channels, emphasizing that prompt information is vital to effective crime prevention.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, was reported to have visited the community alongside the Area Commander from Ogbomoso to personally evaluate the situation.