Tension as police deny herdsmen attack on Osun road

There was widespread panic in Osun State following an alleged attack on commuters along Iwo/Osogbo Road late Wednesday, PUNCH Metro has learnt.

Our correspondent reports that Facebook posts observed by some users of the platform, purported an attack on commuters on the road on Wednesday evening, immediately went viral.

However, PUNCH Metro could not independently verify the claim as none of those who wrote about the incident gave details of what happened, as they all claimed some commuters suspected to be bandits were observed standing by the roadside between Osuntedo and Idoo communities.

There were also various voice notes shared on social media platforms purporting to be attacks on travellers on the road by gunmen.

But in his reaction to an enquiry by PUNCH Metro on the suspected attack on the road on Thursday, the Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that there was no herdsmen attack or any form of criminal assault along the Osogbo/Iwo road as claimed.

Ojelabi stated, “On November 18, 2025, at about 1230hrs, a Toyota Sienna vehicle hit the rear of a bungle bus with registration number EPE 449 YLY around the Gbongan area. The bus was en route from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo, with male occupants as the driver and co-driver, respectively.

“The collision damaged the Toyota Sienna’s bumper, but the occupants of the bus, believing nothing was wrong with their own vehicle, refused to stop and continued their journey. The Toyota Sienna driver, aggrieved by the refusal of the bus to stop and the visible damage to the bumper of his vehicle, raised an alarm and mobilised people along the road, accusing the two brothers in the bus of being kidnappers and thieves.
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“This false alarm triggered a mob that pursued and eventually blocked the bus. The mob attacked the two occupants and vandalised the vehicle while attempting to lynch them. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan, who is also a local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola-Oluwa LGA, intervened, rescued the victims, and conveyed them along with their damaged bus to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters for safety.
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“The mob trailed them to the station, creating serious tension. The Divisional Police Officer immediately called for reinforcement from Osogbo, and tactical teams were swiftly deployed to restore calm. The victims are presently safe and in protective custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest members of the mob involved in the vandalism and attempted jungle justice.”

Condemning what it tagged as “false alarms and the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic and endangering innocent lives,” the command urged members of the public to always verify facts before taking action or circulating rumours.

“Citizens are reminded never to resort to jungle justice. Any suspicion should be reported to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines: 08039537995/08123823981,” the statement further read.