Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have apprehended four youths following a panic in Ila-Orangun triggered by a threatening inscription in the town.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 19, were identified as Idris Abubakar, Abubakar Audu, Ahmed Abubakar, and Mohammed Omotayo.
They were taken into custody for allegedly conspiring to commit acts capable of disturbing public order.
Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests were part of proactive measures to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the area.
“The command acted swiftly to apprehend those responsible for actions likely to cause public alarm. Prevention is always better than cure,” Ojelabi stated in a Friday release.
The incident occurred on February 18, 2026, after a message reading “BANDIT TODAY TODAY” appeared on a wall in the Ajegunle area of Ila-Orangun, causing fear among residents and prompting some to leave their homes.
Ojelabi explained that the State Intelligence Department’s operatives moved immediately on receiving the report and, following preliminary investigations, identified the first suspect as the person who wrote the message.
He reportedly confessed, claiming he acted without understanding the potential consequences.
The police urged the public to avoid any action that could create unnecessary fear and assured residents that they could go about their lawful activities safely.
