Residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State now live in palpable fear following the discovery of two handwritten threat notes allegedly issued by bandits, warning of a planned invasion of the community on January 20, 2026.
The notes, written separately in Yoruba and English, were reportedly dropped at the front and back of a residential building in the town. Both notes bore no name, signature, or return address, heightening fear and uncertainty among residents.
The Yoruba version of the note, loosely translated, threatened an impending attack and urged the community to “prepare” for the arrival of the bandits. The English version, though poorly worded, suggested that the attackers were acting on external instructions and warned residents to “wait for us.”
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who allegedly discovered the notes is currently undergoing debriefing.
DSP Ayanlade disclosed that the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin, authenticity, and intent of the threat notes, while Ikoyi-Ile and surrounding communities have been placed on 24-hour high security alert.
In a statement, he said the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has activated intelligence, tactical, and operational response mechanisms to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
According to him, the State Intelligence Department, working with tactical units, has commenced intensive debriefing of all persons linked to the discovery of the notes, while operational assets have been deployed and repositioned within Ikoyi-Ile and neighbouring communities.
Visible security measures have been significantly reinforced, including armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination.
“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 said.
The Police Command assured residents of Ikoyi-Ile and the wider Oyo State that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property, stressing that all leads are being thoroughly investigated and that those behind the threat will be brought to justice.
Residents were also urged to continue their lawful activities without fear but remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, was said to have visited the area alongside the Area Commander in Ogbomoso to assess the security situation.
The development comes against the backdrop of a recent deadly attack on the National Park Service office at Oloka Community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits killed five forest rangers.
Investigations revealed that the attackers carted away pump-action rifles and two motorcycles belonging to the slain rangers. Sources said the rangers were having their meal when the assailants stormed the facility, firing sporadically with AK-47 rifles and riddling the building with bullets.
During the attack, a gas cylinder used for cooking was reportedly hit by bullets, triggering an explosion and fire outbreak that burnt one of the rangers beyond recognition.
The National Park is located near a forest corridor linking Niger and Kwara states, as well as other parts of Oyo State, raising concerns about cross-border criminal movements.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the attack may have been retaliatory, as the rangers had recently arrested suspected bandits and handed them over to the police. One ranger reportedly escaped with injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
About the Author
