IBADAN, NIGERIA – The Oyo State Police Command has urged citizens to ignore a viral video circulating on social media that allegedly issues eviction ultimatums to herders in the Igboho area of the state. The video, attributed to suspected separatist groups, has been described as a deliberate attempt to incite violence and disrupt the peace.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, clarified that the video, which surfaced online early Tuesday, was created by agents of mischief to provoke civil disturbances and unrest.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to dispel unfounded rumors and speculations circulating on social media about the purported eviction of herders in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area by suspected separatist group members as misleading and complete falsehood,” Osifeso stated. “No notice of eviction was pronounced by any individual or group at any period in time.”

The statement emphasized that the state enjoys relative peace, which the mischief-makers aim to disrupt. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, has tasked the supervising Area Commander to personally lead confidence-building patrols and increase the visibility of police personnel in the area to maintain order and reassure the public.

In addition, Osifeso mentioned that the command has deployed more operational, intelligence, and tactical assets to prevent any potential disturbances.

This incident follows a series of related events, including recent public statements by prominent figures and groups about regional autonomy and safety issues. The police continue to work towards maintaining peace and order in the state.