Ogun Police Dismiss Viral Ifo Security Scare, Say Intercepted Bus Carried Labourers Not Criminals

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed viral claims suggesting that a bus intercepted along the Ifo-Ibogun Road was carrying suspected criminals, clarifying that the passengers were construction labourers working on a federal road project.

The clarification followed widespread social media reports alleging that suspicious individuals believed to be criminals were sighted in the area, triggering panic among residents and youths in the community.

According to the police, officers responded immediately after receiving intelligence reports concerning the vehicle on June 3, 2026.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations showed that the bus was transporting 21 labourers employed by a construction company handling the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Ifo-Ibogun Road.

He explained that some local youths had intercepted the vehicle over fears sparked by the circulating rumours before security operatives arrived at the scene.

“Acting on intelligence received on June 3, 2026, police surveillance and anti-robbery teams swiftly responded to the area and discovered that the bus, which had been intercepted by some youths, was conveying 21 labourers engaged by a construction company handling the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Ifo–Ibogun Road,” Babaseyi said.

The police spokesperson added that further checks confirmed the workers were legitimately hired for the ongoing federal road project and had no connection to criminal activities.

“The report linking them to criminal activities was found to be false and unfounded,” he stated.

Following the verification exercise, police officers reportedly assured the workers of their safety and escorted them to their work site to prevent any possible attack or harassment.

The incident highlights growing tensions and public anxiety over insecurity in several communities, where unverified social media reports have increasingly triggered panic and mob reactions.

The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to avoid spreading unconfirmed security information capable of causing fear, confusion, or wrongful targeting of innocent individuals.

Authorities also advised members of the public to report suspicious activities directly to security agencies instead of relying on viral social media claims.