Residents of Ikoyi-Ile town in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been thrown into panic after the discovery of handwritten notes allegedly from suspected bandits warning of a planned attack on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed.
The notes were reportedly found at the front and rear of a building in the community and are believed to contain warnings of an impending assault. One letter, in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit”, reportedly read in part:
“A o wa ni January 20th, 2026 … E duro de wa … A wa lati wa fun yin ni ibanuje … Ni Ikoyi-Ile, Ile Oyo State.” A second message in English reportedly stated: “Bandit information … Wait for us.” The authenticity of the messages has not yet been verified.
The development comes barely days after a violent attack in the same local government area near Old Oyo National Park, where suspected bandits reportedly killed five personnel of the Nigeria Park Service on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
That incident has already heightened tensions and insecurity in the area.
Oyo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, said the police were aware of the threat notes and have launched a full-scale investigation to determine their origin and intent.
He said the person who allegedly found the letters is undergoing debriefing as part of investigative efforts. “We haven’t received such a letter formally, but investigations have been launched immediately and it was brought to our attention,” the police spokesperson said.
The discovery of the alleged warning letters has unsettled many residents, with reports that some community members are staying indoors, tightening security at homes, and limiting movement around town.
Local leaders and residents have called on security agencies to increase patrols and provide timely information to prevent potential violence.
Security analysts note that the spread of fear following the notes highlights the ongoing challenge of criminal intimidation in rural areas of southwestern Nigeria. Communities near national parks and forested areas have been particularly vulnerable to armed attacks, often occurring with little advance warning.
The police have appealed to the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to share credible findings and updates that could either confirm or dispel fears linked to the alleged bandit threats.
There has been no official statement from the Oyo State Government at the time of publication regarding the alleged threat notes or additional security measures in response to community concerns.
