Imesi-Ile Denies Bandit Invasion Report, Says Viral Video Misrepresented Security Operation

The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) has dismissed as false a viral video alleging that bandits invaded the Imesi-Ile community in Osun State on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, describing the report as misleading and a misrepresentation of a routine security operation carried out in the town.

In a statement jointly signed by the President of the association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and the General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, clarified that no bandit attack occurred in the community. According to the statement, members of the Imesi-Ile Security Committee (ISC), working alongside local hunters, embarked on a routine patrol of surrounding forests following a security tip-off. During the operation, two young men suspected to be herdsmen whose cattle had allegedly been destroying farmlands were apprehended and handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Imesi-Ile Police Post for investigation.

The association stressed that Imesi-Ile remains peaceful and secure, noting that the community has enjoyed decades of peace since the end of the historic Kiriji War. It cited the successful inauguration of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Outstation and commissioning of its administrative building on June 2 by the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and the Director of IAR&T, Professor Gabriel Akinboye Oluwatosin, as evidence of the peaceful atmosphere in the community.

IPA commended the vigilance of the ISC, led by Chief Layi Abesin and his deputy, Chief Muyiwa Oguntoye, as well as local hunters, for their efforts in safeguarding the town. The association assured residents at home and abroad that security remains a top priority, noting that the community operates an organised security network in collaboration with government security agencies. It also urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and statements not issued by the IPA, the Owa-Ooye-in-Council or the Nigeria Police Force.

The association further called on neighbouring communities in Obokun and Oriade Local Government Areas of Osun State and Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State to strengthen collaborative security surveillance efforts. It thanked concerned individuals who reached out to verify the situation and expressed appreciation to state security operatives for their cooperation, while reaffirming its commitment to sustaining peace and supporting developmental initiatives in Imesi-Ile.