…120 soldiers launch manhunt for fleeing terrorists
The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrest of at least five suspected terrorists following an attack on a military camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, assuring residents that they will not be abandoned.
The suspects were reportedly arrested in military uniforms, while about 120 soldiers have been deployed into the bush in pursuit of other members of the attacking group.
The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, disclosed this on Monday during an assessment visit to the scene of the attack, barely 24 hours after the incident.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who accompanied the Deputy Governor, Lawal said Governor Seyi Makinde had a message for the people of the area: “You will never be abandoned.”
The Deputy Governor was conducted round the affected military facility by the Commanding Officer of the 81 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Asogwa.
Explaining the damage caused by the attack, the commanding officer said the terrorists used grenade launchers, which ignited cooking gas cylinders at the premises, resulting in the fire that destroyed a building and a vehicle.
The state government said further arrests were expected as security operatives continued efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.
Lawal also explained that the surveillance aircraft recently procured by the state government was actively conducting random sorties and reconnaissance operations.
He noted that the aircraft could not remain permanently airborne but would be readily deployed whenever required for security operations.
The Deputy Governor further announced the establishment of an emergency committee comprising the five adjoining local government areas of Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo.
The committee, he said, would immediately attend to the needs of security personnel operating in the affected areas and liaise with the state government to secure prompt assistance.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to play our part in ensuring that our people are safe,” Lawal said.
He expressed relief that no casualties had been reported in the attack.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the commissioners for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and Establishment and Training, Professor Saliu Adelabu; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya; some local government chairmen; and the Onigbeti of Igbeti.
