Osun State Police have arrested four individuals in connection with a panic that gripped residents of Ila-Orangun following a threatening inscription in the community.
The suspects, identified as 16-year-old Idris Abubakar, Abubakar Audu, 19-year-old Ahmed Abubakar, and 16-year-old Mohammed Omotayo, were taken into custody for alleged conspiracy and acts likely to disturb public peace.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests formed part of proactive measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“In line with our preventive strategy, the Osun State Police Command has apprehended the suspects involved in conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of peace,” the statement read.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 18, 2026, when a message reading “BANDIT TODAY TODAY” was discovered on a wall in Ajegunle, sparking widespread fear and prompting some residents to flee the area.
Ojelabi said operatives from the State Intelligence Department acted swiftly after receiving the report, leading to the arrest of the suspects through intelligence-led operations.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the first suspect admitted to writing the message, claiming ignorance of its potential consequences,” he added.
The command urged residents to refrain from actions that could incite panic and encouraged them to continue their lawful activities without fear.