Bandit Threat Notes Throw Oyo Community Into Panic Days After Deadly Park Attack
Ikoyi-Ile, a quiet town in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been thrown into fear and uncertainty after suspected bandits allegedly issued written threats warning residents of a planned attack later this month, Global Mirror News has gathered.
The alarming development comes barely days after a deadly assault on Oloka village, near the Old Oyo National Park in the same Local Government Areas, where armed men reportedly killed five people last Tuesday.
According to information gathered by Global Mirror News correspondents, panic spread across Ikoyi-Ile after two handwritten notes believed to have been left by suspected bandits were found at different locations in the town.
The notes were reportedly discovered at the front and back of a building, prompting immediate alarm among residents.
One of the notes, written in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit” (From the Bandits), allegedly warned that the group would strike on January 20, 2026, urging residents to prepare and comply with their demands.
The message was described by locals as threatening and menacing, suggesting that the attackers were coming to inflict harm on the Community.
A second note, written in English, reportedly read:
“Bandit information. See, now, Three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi-Ile are the Government that sent us. Wait for us.”
Although it is still unclear whether the messages were genuinely from criminal elements or the work of pranksters, Global Mirror News gathered that the impact on the town has been severe.
Many residents have reportedly remained indoors, while shop owners and households have taken steps to reinforce their premises amid fears of an imminent attack.
A Community source told Global Mirror News that anxiety in Ikoyi-Ile has been heightened by the recent killings around the Old Oyo National Park.
“People are scared because we just witnessed what happened in Oloka.
Now these notes have made everyone believe that Ikoyi-Ile could be next,” the source said.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that it is aware of the development.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said although the Command had not received a formal complaint before the matter reached the media, investigations had already commenced.
“We haven’t received such a letter formally, but investigations have been launched immediately and it was brought to our attention,” Ayanlade said.
“The person who allegedly found the note is being debriefed, and the Command has initiated a full investigation to determine the source and intent of the message.”
Security analysts told Global Mirror News that Oriire Local Government Area has become increasingly volatile in recent months, with criminal activities spreading around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby rural communities.
This has raised serious concerns about the safety of residents and the ability of security agencies to contain the growing threat.
Meanwhile, community leaders and local vigilante groups in Ikoyi-Ile have appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to urgently increase patrols, deploy more personnel, and provide actionable intelligence to prevent a possible attack.
As of the time of filing this report, tension remains high in the town, with residents hoping that swift security intervention will avert another tragedy in the troubled Area.
