The Osun State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that suspected herdsmen and bandits attacked travellers along the Osogbo–Iwo Road on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, through the Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, it was revealed that no such attack occurred along the route, contrary to widespread online reports suggesting otherwise.
It was gathered that unverified reports had claimed that herdsmen attacked travellers along the Osogbo–Iwo Road on Tuesday night.
The unverified reports, it was also gathered, caused panic among commuters and travellers who ply the route.
According to the police, “the incident resulted from a road traffic collision involving a Toyota Sienna and a bungle bus around the Gbongan axis at about 12:30 pm on the day in question.”
The command explained that “the Toyota Sienna struck the rear of the bus, which was travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo with two male occupants identified as the driver and co-driver.”
Police said, “the Toyota Sienna’s bumper was damaged in the collision, but the bus’ occupants, believing their vehicle was not affected, refused to stop and continued their journey.
“The situation escalated when the driver of the Toyota Sienna, angered by the refusal of the bus to halt, raised an alarm and accused the two men of being kidnappers and thieves, prompting residents along the route to react.
“The alarm triggered a mob that chased down the bus, blocked it, and launched an attack on the two occupants while also vandalising the vehicle in an attempt to lynch them.
“A local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area intervened and rescued the victims, conveying them and the damaged vehicle to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.
“The mob later stormed the station and attempted to force their way in, creating heightened tension. The Divisional Police Officer immediately sought reinforcement from Osogbo, leading to rapid deployment of tactical teams to restore order.”
Police confirmed that the victims were safe and are currently in protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the attempted mob action and vandalism.
The command also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information and raising false alarms capable of provoking panic or endangering innocent persons.
It advised residents to avoid jungle justice and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via emergency numbers 08039537995 and 08123823981.
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