Fear has enveloped Ikoyi-Ile town in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following reports that suspected bandits have issued threats to launch an attack on the community, barely days after a deadly incident in the same local government area.
The development comes on the heels of a violent attack at Old Oyo National Park, Oloka village, where gunmen reportedly killed five persons last Tuesday, heightening tension across nearby communities.
Residents disclosed that the threat of a fresh attack was communicated through two handwritten notes allegedly left by suspected bandits at the front and back of a building in Ikoyi-Ile, warning that the attack would take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
One of the notes, written in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit” (From the Bandits), warned residents to prepare for the attackers’ arrival and hinted at impending violence if their demands were not met.
A second note, written in English, also threatened the community, suggesting that Ikoyi-Ile had been targeted and instructing residents to await the bandits’ arrival.
Although it remains unclear whether the notes were genuinely written by bandits or constitute a hoax, the messages have triggered widespread fear among residents, many of whom are reportedly staying indoors while reinforcing security around their homes and businesses.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed awareness of the situation. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said investigations had commenced, even though no formal report was initially filed.
“We haven’t received such a letter formally, but investigations have been launched immediately after it was brought to our attention,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the individual who allegedly discovered the note is currently being debriefed, while a full-scale investigation is ongoing to determine the source and intent of the messages.
Security observers note that Oriire Local Government Area, which hosts both Ikoyi-Ile and Old Oyo National Park, has witnessed rising cases of violent crimes in recent months, raising serious concerns over the safety of residents in surrounding rural communities.
Meanwhile, community leaders and local vigilante groups in Ikoyi-Ile have appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify patrols and deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent a repeat of last week’s deadly attack.
