Fear has taken hold of residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the discovery of threatening notes believed to have been left by suspected bandits, triggering a police investigation into their origin and intent.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed on Saturday that the notes were found within the community, fuelling panic after rumours circulated that armed attackers were planning to invade the town.
Ikoyi-Ile is located in the same local government area where five forest guards were recently killed near the Old Oyo National Park, a situation that has already heightened security worries among residents.
Investigations revealed that two separate notes were allegedly dropped at different locations within a building in the town, with one placed at the front and the other at the back.
The messages reportedly warned of an impending attack scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
One of the notes, said to be handwritten in Yoruba and lacking any signature or clear identification, was reportedly titled “Lati Odo Bandit” and threatened an invasion of the community on the stated date.
The content of the message urged residents to brace for the arrival of the attackers, using language described as hostile and intimidating.
The second note, written in English, was also disturbing, claiming the writers had been “working” for three days and alleging that the government had sent them to Ikoyi-Ile, while warning residents to expect their arrival.
Although the true authors of the notes and any confirmed link to bandit groups have not been established, their discovery has caused widespread fear and tension across the town.
Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that security agencies had already taken action.
He revealed that the individual who discovered the notes is currently being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
“The person who allegedly discovered the notes is presently undergoing debriefing, and the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the origin and intention behind the messages.
“The Oyo State Police 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 Local Government Area of 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 Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), immediately activated the Command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response architecture.
“The State Intelligence Department (SID), 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 equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.
“The Oyo State Police Command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that every lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” Ayanlade stated.
He reassured residents that the police are handling the matter with utmost seriousness and urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that security agencies are fully mobilised and will provide updates as investigations continue.
