A 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Ayuba Kulaha, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Lagos after being falsely accused of being a bandit amid widespread panic triggered by reports of a terrorist invasion in parts of the state.
The Lagos State Police Command said 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, assuring residents that there is no security threat in any part of the state.
The incident reportedly followed the circulation of reports claiming that armed bandits had invaded communities in Lagos.
The panic intensified after a radio station announced the killing of two people in the Ibeju-Lekki area. The station later retracted the report and issued an apology, stating that the information was inaccurate.
The report nevertheless sparked fear among residents, with many parents reportedly rushing to schools to withdraw their children.
According to the police, Kulaha became a victim of the ensuing panic after some youths allegedly mistook him for a bandit and attacked him.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the command had observed viral social media posts alleging that Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State were under attack by armed bandits targeting schools and children.
“The Lagos State Police Command categorically states that the claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic and apprehension among residents,” the statement said.
“There is currently no security crisis, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo or any other part of Lagos State.”
The command reassured residents that schools across the state remain safe, adding that police officers and other security personnel have maintained adequate security presence and surveillance in communities.
The police expressed concern that the false alarm had already resulted in a tragic loss of life.
“Regrettably, the spread of this false alarm has already resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life. One Kulaha Ayuba, male, aged 24 years, a commercial motorcycle rider, was allegedly labelled a Fulani bandit by some youths in the community acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area. He was attacked and fatally assaulted,” the statement added.
The police said the victim’s motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
“Following swift police intervention, 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation,” the command stated.
The police assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command also condemned the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic, public disorder, ethnic profiling and mob violence, warning that individuals responsible for originating or deliberately circulating false and inciting information would face legal consequences.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while going about their lawful activities without fear.