Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Several members of a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected cross-border bandits ambushed them during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
The incident occurred while operatives of Iru Ekun, a security outfit associated with Igboho, were carrying out a mission to track and dislodge suspected kidnappers and other armed criminals believed to be operating within the expansive forest reserve. Sources familiar with the operation said the team deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movements of armed groups before advancing into the area.
However, the mission reportedly turned violent when the operatives came under attack from heavily armed men believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks. According to the sources, the suspected bandits opened fire on the advancing security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle inside the forest. Several members of the Iru Ekun team were reportedly wounded by gunfire during the exchange. The exact number of those injured had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The security outfit mounted resistance against the attackers despite the surprise ambush, although the extent of casualties on the side of the suspected bandits could not be independently verified. The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of suspected kidnappers, bandits, and other armed groups operating in forests and remote communities across parts of the South-West.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, were not answered as of the time of filing this report. The Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forest corridors have in recent years become notorious for activities linked to kidnapping syndicates and armed criminal groups, with residents of nearby communities repeatedly raising concerns over insecurity in the area.
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