Amid rising public sensitivity over highway security across Nigeria, reports of alleged bandit attacks and kidnappings often spark fear and disrupt socio-economic activities, especially when they involve major interstate routes. The Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway, a critical link between Kwara and Oyo states, has recently come under public scrutiny following claims of escalating criminal activities along the corridor.
FACT-CHECK: AMOTEKUN, POLICE DISMISS BANDIT ATTACK CLAIMS ON ILORIN–OGBOMOSO HIGHWAY.
Given the security implications of such reports and their potential to generate panic among commuters and traders, Egalitarian Voice initiated an independent fact-finding investigation, reaching out to relevant security agencies, including the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police, commercial transport operators, and regular road users, to verify the authenticity of the claims and establish the true security situation on the route.
Preliminary findings indicate a marked improvement in security along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway, largely due to the proactive deployment of Amotekun operatives and coordinated patrols with the Nigeria Police. Contrary to circulating reports of frequent abductions and armed robberies, commuters and commercial drivers confirm that routine patrols and visible security presence have significantly reduced the risk of criminal activity, restoring confidence in travel along the route.
Amotekun Reacts
A senior coordinator of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps in Ogbomosho dismissed the claims, stating that no such incidents have been reported to the corps.
“We never hear anything about it, and we dey always work together with Police Division,” the Amotekun coordinator said.
He explained that Amotekun operatives maintain regular patrols and intelligence-sharing with the Nigeria Police, particularly along major highways and border routes, including the Ilorin–Ogbomoso axis. According to him, any genuine case of abduction or armed robbery would have triggered a joint security response, which has not occurred.
Road Users Counter Viral Report
Commercial drivers and commuters who spoke with Egalitarian Voice also contradicted the alarmist narrative, noting that security on the highway has improved significantly in recent months.
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One regular road user said:
“The road is now safe unlike before, through the help of Amotekun Corps who are seen regularly on the road.”
Drivers confirmed that transport operations continue normally, especially during the day and evening hours, with visible security presence serving as a deterrent to criminal activity.
No Official Record of Recent Attacks
Further checks revealed that no official security report or police record supports claims of recent kidnappings or coordinated bandit attacks on the route. Community leaders along the Oyo–Kwara border also said they were unaware of any recent incidents of the nature described.
Call for Responsible Reporting
Egalitarian Voice notes that while security vigilance remains necessary on all highways, publishing unverified or exaggerated security reports can create unnecessary panic, disrupt commercial activities, and undermine public confidence.
The platform therefore urges media organisations to verify security-related information with relevant authorities before publication, especially on sensitive issues capable of causing public fear.
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Conclusion
Based on investigations and confirmations from Amotekun Corps, the Police, and road users, Egalitarian Voice concludes that the report portraying the Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway as a bandit-infested route does not reflect the current security reality and should be treated with caution.
Egalitarian Voice
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