Fear Grips Oyo as Suspected Bandits Attack National Park Service Office, Kill Four
Fear and tension have enveloped communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on the National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, which reportedly claimed the lives of four personnel.
According to local sources, the assailants, believed to be heavily armed, stormed the NPS facility in the early hours of the day, opening fire on officers on duty. The attack resulted in the death of four NPS personnel, while others were said to have sustained injuries during the raid.
Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, causing panic and forcing villagers to flee their homes for safety. The attackers were also reported to have damaged property and made away with undisclosed items before escaping into nearby forests.
The incident has heightened fears among residents of Oloka and neighbouring communities, with many expressing concern over the growing insecurity in the area, particularly around forest reserves and border communities.
Confirming the attack, security sources said efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators, while joint patrols involving security agencies had been intensified to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has condemned the incident and assured residents that security agencies would bring the attackers to justice. Authorities also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information.
The attack adds to rising concerns over the activities of armed groups operating around forested areas in parts of the South-West, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities in the region.
