The Kwara State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating on social media suggesting that residents of Ganmu Ahileri village near Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area have fled due to constant bandit attacks, turning the area into a so-called “ghost town.”

 

In a strong rebuttal, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, described the claims as “false, misleading, and capable of inciting unnecessary panic and fear among citizens.”

 

 

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police acknowledged that a criminal attack did occur on July 31, 2025, but insisted the situation has since been brought under control.

 

“While it is true that an unfortunate incident occurred where some unknown armed men attacked travelers near Ganmu village, the Command acted swiftly and decisively,” the statement read.

 

 

According to the police, the victims were traveling from Lagos to Babanla when their vehicle suffered a flat tire close to Ganmu village. As they attempted to fix the problem, they were ambushed by five armed assailants.

 

Tragically, two victims, Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla of Ajia village and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu, lost their lives.

Three others, identified as Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau (surnames yet to be confirmed),  were abducted and taken to an unknown location.

 

 

Upon receiving the distress report, the Kwara State Command deployed a combined tactical team consisting of Police operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the area.

 

“The video showing armed security presence is not evidence of evacuation or ghost town conditions, but rather a reflection of our coordinated efforts to restore normalcy,” the spokesperson clarified.

 

The security operatives have reportedly stabilized the area and are continuing search-and-rescue operations for the abducted victims.

 

 

The Command emphasized that the narrative of a mass exodus is false, noting that daily activities in the village have resumed and that residents remain in their homes, under the protection of security forces.

 

“Normalcy has returned to Ganmu and its surroundings. We urge citizens to disregard sensational claims not rooted in verified facts,” the police said.

 

 

The Police Command assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and all efforts are being made to rescue the kidnapped victims unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

Commissioner Ojo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all communities in Kwara State, adding that public cooperation and responsible dissemination of information are vital to the success of law enforcement operations.