The Osun State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that bandits were preparing to attack Ilesa, calling the footage false, misleading, and intended to create unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the video circulating online was AI-generated and deliberately crafted to incite fear.
“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 stated.
Ojelabi condemned the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to spread misinformation and warned the public against creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified content that could threaten public safety.
The spokesperson also reassured residents that Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan has deployed both covert and overt operatives to the Ilesa axis and other strategic locations to ensure security and prevent any potential breach of law and order.
He urged citizens to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08039537995 and 08123823981.
Ojelabi concluded by reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Osun State.
