Management of the Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport, Akure, has dismissed social media reports alleging an invasion by bandits, describing the claim as false and capable of causing needless panic among residents and travellers.
A post by Afenifere chieftain, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, had circulated widely on Facebook, claiming that bandits had infiltrated the airport.
The post sparked anxiety within the Akure community and among aviation stakeholders.
Following the viral post, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, on Monday led a team of senior officers, including the ACP Operations, on a fact-finding visit to the airport.
They were received by the Airport Manager, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebiyi; the Deputy General Manager (Aviation Security) and Airport Chief of Security (ACoS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Benneth Iwuchukwu; and other departmental heads.
Mrs. Adebiyi, in her briefing, said the claim of bandit invasion was baseless and misleading.
She stressed that no security breach or attack had occurred at the facility.
According to her, the airport’s main security challenge has been the occasional encroachment of herders and cattle into restricted operational areas — an issue being addressed in collaboration with the police and local authorities.
The police chief inspected the airport’s perimeter fence and identified points previously used by herders to gain unauthorised access. He directed the Divisional Police Officer, Oba-Ile Division, to convene a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to prevent future incursions.
Mrs. Adebiyi reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and airport users remains a top priority.
She urged members of the public to verify information before sharing unconfirmed reports online.
“The Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport remains safe, secure, and fully operational,” she said. “The viral post is unfounded and should be disregarded.”