Not Here’: Kwara monarch refutes bandit attack report in Oreke-Okegbo

The traditional ruler of Oreke-Okegbo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Sunday Joseph Adefila, has strongly refuted reports linking his community to a deadly bandit attack that occurred last Thursday.

In a statement made available to the press, Oba Adefila dismissed claims that the incident took place in Oreke-Okegbo, asserting that his community was not the location of the attack and has no ties to mining activities — a detail mentioned in some early reports.

“I wish to categorically state that the incident did not happen in Oreke-Okegbo,” the monarch said. “No mining site is situated in my community. The story is misleading and should be retracted. As the Kabiyesi of Oreke-Okegbo, I must clarify that the name mentioned in some media reports does not refer to me or my domain.”

The police had earlier confirmed that a violent attack occurred in Ifelodun LGA on Thursday evening around 7:00 p.m., reportedly carried out by armed men dressed in military uniforms. According to the police, the assailants opened fire on local guards protecting Chinese nationals in the area, resulting in one death and one person injured.

While the police said investigations are ongoing, Oba Adefila maintained that the attack occurred in a different community — Oreke-Oke — not Oreke-Okegbo.

“There are at least two communities with similar names: Oreke-Oke and Oreke-Okegbo. This confusion must be addressed. I call on the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) to issue a clarification and retract the inaccurate report to prevent the spread of misinformation,” he added.

Local authorities have yet to respond to the monarch’s request as of press time. Meanwhile, residents of the affected community remain on edge following the tragic incident.

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