A commercial motorcyclist was reportedly lynched by a mob in Lagos after residents, acting on a false alarm about a bandit invasion, allegedly mistook him for a criminal amid rising security concerns.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, debunked viral social media reports claiming that armed bandits had invaded communities including Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Oke-Afo, and were targeting schools and children.
Adebisi described the reports as false, misleading and capable of causing panic, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information.
“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.”
She added that schools across the state remain secure, with security agencies maintaining surveillance and a strong presence in affected communities.
According to the police, the misinformation led to “a tragic and avoidable loss of life”. The victim, identified as 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked by youths who believed he was one of the supposed invaders.
“Some youths of the community, acting on the false and unverified belief that armed bandits had invaded the area, allegedly labelled him a Fulani bandit, attacked and fatally assaulted him,” Adebisi said.
“His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.”
The police confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and are currently being investigated.
“The command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” she added.
The command also condemned the spread of false information capable of inciting violence, ethnic profiling and mob attacks, warning that anyone found responsible for originating or deliberately circulating such content would face prosecution.
Adebisi said Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
The incident comes amid growing public concern over insecurity following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.