The Oyo State Government has announced the arrest of five suspected terrorists following an attack on a security facility around Igbeti in the Oke Ogun area of the state.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday along the Igbeti Igboho axis, raising fresh concerns about security in communities bordering the forest areas of Oyo State.
The arrested suspects were reportedly apprehended wearing military uniforms. Authorities said investigations and security operations were continuing, with the possibility of additional arrests as security agencies intensify efforts to track those believed to have participated in the attack...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Following the incident, no fewer than 120 soldiers were deployed into the surrounding bush in pursuit of the fleeing attackers. The operation is aimed at locating other members of the group and preventing them from regrouping or carrying out further attacks in the area.
The attack also resulted in damage to part of the security facility and a vehicle. According to the authorities, grenade launchers used during the assault triggered a fire after hitting cooking gas cylinders at the premises, causing the flames to spread and damage property.
The development prompted a visit to the affected area by Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who inspected the scene and received a briefing from the military authorities overseeing operations in the area.
Lawal conveyed the state government’s assurance that residents would not be abandoned and said the government would continue working with security agencies to protect lives and property across the affected communities.
The state government also said its recently acquired surveillance aircraft remained available for reconnaissance and security operations. Officials explained that the aircraft could not remain permanently in the sky but would continue to be deployed through regular sorties whenever necessary to support security operations and intelligence gathering.
As part of the response to the security situation, an emergency committee involving five neighbouring local government areas has been established. The committee covers Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo local government areas.
The committee is expected to identify the immediate needs of security personnel operating within the affected areas and coordinate with the state government to ensure that necessary support is provided without delay.
The incident has renewed attention on security challenges in parts of Oyo State, particularly communities located close to large forest areas that can provide hiding places for criminal groups.
Authorities have continued to reassure residents that security agencies are actively pursuing those responsible for the attack. The arrest of the five suspects is expected to assist investigators in determining the identities, affiliations and activities of those behind the incident.
Officials have also indicated that more arrests could follow as the ongoing operation continues.
The state government has urged residents in the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent further attacks.
With troops already deployed in the surrounding areas and surveillance resources being used to support the operation, attention is now focused on locating the remaining suspects and ensuring that security is restored across the Igbeti and wider Oke Ogun axis.
The authorities have maintained that protecting residents remains a priority and that efforts will continue until those responsible for the attack are brought under control.
