Residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are living in fear following reports that suspected bandits sent written notices warning of an impending attack on the community.
Ikoyi-Ile is in the same council area where five forest guards were killed earlier in the week at the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka village. Gunmen suspected to be bandits reportedly opened fire on officers at the park on Tuesday, leaving multiple casualties and heightening security concerns in the area.
The Nation reported that two handwritten notes believed to be from bandits were allegedly dropped at a building in Ikoyi-Ile, stating that the town would be attacked on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. One of the notes, written in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit,” warned residents to prepare for their arrival and claimed they were coming to inflict “sorrow.”
A second note in English 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.”
Though the authenticity of the letters has not been confirmed, sources in the community said the threats have caused widespread panic, with many residents anxious about their safety.
In a statement released on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English languages, was allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in the community.
Punch reports that early this week, a 12-man suspected bandit invaded Oloka community in Oriire LG at about 11:30 pm, and killed five National Park Service officers in their office
Ayanlade explained that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had directed the state Intelligence Department, in close collaboration with tactical units, to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note.
He added that armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been significantly reinforced.
The PPRO said, “The command wishes to inform members of the public that it has received credible information regarding a handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English languages, allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Orire LGA, Oyo State.
“The note is purported to have been authored by suspected bandits, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community.
“Upon receipt of this report, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Haruna, immediately activated the command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response architecture.
“The state Intelligence Department, in close collaboration with tactical units, was directed to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note, while operational assets were promptly deployed and repositioned within Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communities.
“As part of deliberate and visible security actions, armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been 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 has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.”
Ayanlade, therefore, assured the residents that no effort would be spared in uncovering the truth behind the threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Police reassured the people of the state that there is no cause for panic, saying robust security measures have been fully activated and are already in place to safeguard lives and property.
Police also urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities through the nearest police station, security post, or established emergency channels, as timely information remains critical to preventive policing.
“Members of the public are encouraged to go about their lawful daily activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious,” the PPRO said