By Joy Yesufu
Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked the National Park Service office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing four personnel and critically injuring another officer.
The attack, which occurred at about 9 p.m., targeted officers on duty at the park facility, heightening fears over growing insecurity around forested border communities in the South-West.
Report has it that at least five officers were caught in the assault. “Five officers were attacked during the incident. Four were confirmed dead, while one sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the assailants were yet to be identified.
He described the attack as a coordinated assault on personnel of the National Park Service.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, alongside other security chiefs, immediately mobilised to the area to assess the situation.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of tactical teams, officers of the Mobile Police Force, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to the affected area,” Olayinka said.
He added that the security deployment was aimed at restoring calm, preventing further breakdown of law and order, and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
While assuring residents that security agencies were in control of the situation, the police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm as investigations and security operations continue.
The attack has renewed concerns about the possible spillover of insecurity from neighbouring Kwara State, which has witnessed a rise in banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on security formations in recent months, particularly around forested border areas linking Niger and Kogi states.
Residents have warned that criminal elements operating within the vast forest corridors spanning Kwara, Oyo, and other adjoining states could pose a serious threat to the South-West if not decisively tackled.
