Recall that on June 5, suspected Fulani herders attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo, during a church service, killing over 30 people and injuring over 60 more who are currently being treated.

According to a viral video that has been making the rounds on social media, the perpetrators were apprehended by a joint effort of the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and other security officers.

Owo residents invaded the palace of Olowo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, to confirm the arrest.

The monarch while trying to placate the crowd said he also heard the rumor and urged them to remain calm.

However, an anonymous source within the palace informed newsmen that the rumor was false and it was later discovered that it was about a group in the Owo/Benin boundary arrested with weapons.

The source said: “It was only a rumor. Youths besieged the palace in their thousands when the rumor broke out, but it was discovered to be a false alarm.

“Kabiyesi was only trying to hail their doggedness as he told them, ‘I heard the rumor like you too’, admonishing them to be patient to authenticate it.

“But it was later discovered that the story was about a group arrested along the Owo/Benin boundary in possession of dangerous weapons.”

Funmilayo Odunlami, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ondo State, told newsmen that she was not aware of the arrest.

She said: “I can not confirm anything like that. There is no story like that in the state.”