The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of a suspected threat letter believed to be from bandits in Ikoyi-Ile, a community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The police said investigations have begun to ascertain the source and purpose of the letter.
Following the discovery, tension has reportedly gripped the town, as residents fear a possible attack based on the warning allegedly contained in the note.
Ikoyi-Ile is one of the towns in Oriire Local Government Area, which recently witnessed the killing of five forest guards near the Old Oyo National Park.
Information gathered revealed that two separate threat notes, believed to have been written by suspected bandits, were found at different locations — the front and back of a building within the community.
The notes reportedly warned residents of a planned attack scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
One of the notes, handwritten in Yoruba without any identifiable address or signature, was titled “Lati Odo Bandit.” The message suggested that the group planned to visit the community on the stated date and warned residents to prepare, threatening violence within the town.
The second note, written in English, allegedly 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.”
Although the authenticity of the notes and any confirmed connection to bandits has not yet been established, the messages have sparked fear and anxiety among residents.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who found the notes is currently being questioned by the police.
In a statement, Ayanlade disclosed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to identify those behind the notes and determine their motive.
“The person who allegedly discovered the notes is presently undergoing debriefing, while the Command has commenced a full investigation to establish the origin and intent of the messages,” he said.
He also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and urged residents to remain calm as security agencies work to address the situation.
The incident comes days after a deadly attack by bandits on the National Park in Oyo State, where more than five security personnel were killed. In response to that attack, Governor Seyi Makinde had called on residents to stay calm, assuring them that security agencies are fully engaged.
What measures do you think the police should take to prevent a possible attack on Ikoyi-Ile? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
