Panic Grips Oyo Community as Bandits Issue ‘Warning Notes’ Ahead of January 20 Attack

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are gripped by fear following the discovery of handwritten notes allegedly issued by bandits, warning of a planned attack on the community on January 20, 2026.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that two notes were found at the front and back of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile. 

The notes, written in both Yoruba and English, carried no names or addresses, raising concerns about their origin and intent.

One of the notes, written in Yoruba, warned residents to prepare for the attackers’ arrival and suggested an impending invasion of the town. 

The English version, though poorly constructed, also conveyed a threatening message, stating: “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 Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo State Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the individual who discovered the notes is currently being debriefed. 

He disclosed that the Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the authenticity, origin, and motive behind the threats.

DSP Ayanlade added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, has ordered an immediate and coordinated response, directing intelligence, tactical, and operational units to intensify efforts to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.

According to the police, the State Intelligence Department, working alongside tactical units, has commenced the questioning of individuals connected to the discovery of the notes. 

In addition, security assets have been deployed across Ikoyi-Ile and surrounding communities, with armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance activities significantly reinforced.

“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 Command stated.

The police urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities while staying vigilant. They also appealed to members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels, assuring that all credible leads are being thoroughly investigated and that those behind the threats will be brought to justice.

In a show of heightened concern, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Eleven, Fred Ekokotu, visited Ikoyi-Ile alongside the Area Commander, Ogbomoso, to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the police’s commitment to their safety.

The development comes against the backdrop of a recent deadly attack in the same local government area. Weeks earlier, suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service office in Oloka Community, killing five forest rangers. Reports indicated that the attackers opened fire on the office while the rangers were eating, triggering an explosion after a gas cylinder was hit. One ranger was reportedly burnt beyond recognition, while another survived with injuries. The attackers also made away with rifles and motorcycles belonging to the rangers.

Residents have suggested that the Oloka attack may have been a retaliatory move, following the arrest of suspected bandits by the forest rangers who reportedly handed them over to the police. 

The National Park’s proximity to a forest corridor linking Niger, Kwara, and parts of Oyo State has further heightened fears over the ease with which armed groups can move across the region.