Ogun Police Deploy Forces to Ajebo, Debunk Viral Herders’ Attack Rumors as False Alarm

A swift and coordinated security response in Ogun State has successfully dispelled fears of an imminent attack, highlighting the potent impact of viral misinformation on community relations and public safety.

In a decisive move, the Ogun State Police Command deployed a tactical team to the Ajebo area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area on Friday. The deployment was a direct response to a social media video that had gone viral, alleging that herdsmen were massing to attack the community.

Joint Operation Finds No Threat, Reveals Long-Standing Settlement

Command spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, in a statement from Abeokuta, assured residents that the situation was under control and that there was no credible threat. The operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, was conducted jointly by the police, the Amotekun Corps, and the So-Safe Corps, with support from local hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Investigations on the ground revealed a starkly different picture from the one painted online. The Fulani settlers in the area were identified as long-term residents, not a new, aggressive force. Security personnel observed women and children in their shelters with no arms or any signs of suspicious activity. The adult men from the settlement were reportedly away in Oyo State, engaged in their routine trading activities.

Context and Consequences: The Anatomy of a Modern Panic

This incident provides a critical case study in how digital misinformation can rapidly escalate into real-world security concerns. The police confirmed the presence of an extended RUGA settlement that has existed peacefully for over a decade, with land allocations approved by the community’s traditional ruler, Oba Rueben Oluwole.

“The police response was textbook crisis management,” said a security analyst familiar with the region. “They addressed public fear with a visible presence, conducted a thorough multi-agency investigation, and communicated their findings transparently. This is essential for maintaining public trust, especially in areas with complex farmer-herder dynamics.”

While surveillance continues in a forest approximately 10 kilometers from Ajebo as a precautionary measure, authorities have stressed that the settlers were found to be unarmed and non-threatening.

A Call for Vigilance and Verification

The Ogun Police Command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to avoid spreading unverified information that can cause unnecessary panic and strain community relations. The event underscores the growing challenge for law enforcement in an era where a single unverified post can trigger widespread alarm, requiring significant resources to debunk.

This report is based on information from the primary source: Ripples Nigeria.