The Osun State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging an attack by herdsmen or bandits along the Osogbo–Iwo Road on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, describing the claim as entirely false.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command explained that a clash between two motorists snowballed into mob attack and degenerated into alleged banditry that was amplified by social media users.
Ojelabi said investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a road traffic collision and a subsequent false accusation that triggered mob action.
According to the statement, trouble began around 12:30 p.m. when a Toyota Sienna vehicle rammed into the rear of a bungle bus with registration number EPE 449 YLY near the Gbongan axis. The bus, which was travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo, had only the driver and his brother on board. Although the Sienna’s bumper was damaged, the bus driver continued the journey after assessing that his own vehicle was not affected.
Angered by their refusal to stop, the Sienna driver allegedly mobilized people along the road, accusing the two occupants of the bus of being kidnappers and armed thieves.
The allegation immediately triggered a mob that pursued the bus, blocked it, and launched an attack on the brothers while also vandalising the vehicle.
The police said the victims would likely have been lynched but for the intervention of a local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola Oluwa Local Government Area, who rescued them and escorted both men and the damaged vehicle to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.
The mob later trailed them to the station, heightening tension in the area until the Divisional Police Officer called for reinforcement from Osogbo. Tactical teams were deployed to restore order.
DSP Ojelabi confirmed that the victims are now safe and in protective custody, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved in the mob attack and attempted jungle justice.
The Command warned against raising false alarms or spreading unverified claims capable of causing fear and endangering innocent citizens. It urged residents to verify information before acting on it or sharing it.
“Citizens are reminded never to resort to jungle justice. Any suspicion should be reported to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” the statement said.
The police assured residents of Osun State of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Advertisement
