We Won’t Allow National Park to Become Bandits’ Sanctuary — Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the ongoing fight against banditry in the state, vowing that it will not allow the Old Oyo National Park to become a sanctuary for bandits.

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, stated this on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the Operation Burst base inside the Oorelope axis of the National Park, which was attacked and set ablaze by gunmen suspected to be bandits.

Barr. Lawal said the government would continue to give necessary support to security operatives in combating crimes and commended the troops for repelling the attack.

He warned that anyone harbouring bandits would be dealt with appropriately.

Addressing newsmen after inspecting the facility, the Deputy Governor said:

“On Sunday morning around 5 a.m. when the incident occurred, it was incumbent on the government to visit the army base and assess the situation. First and foremost, we thank God that no life was lost. It was a fierce exchange between the bandits and the troops on ground. The facilities on ground have been destroyed; the building and operational vehicles were set ablaze, but the resistance they got from the troops did not allow them to gain the upper hand.

“On this assessment, we learnt that the GOC reacted promptly and deployed more troops. The GOC has also proactively deployed more troops to a nearby village, Abaja, which is the direction the bandits came from. Incessantly, bandits are coming from that village. So let me use this opportunity to sound a strong note of warning to those living in the village that if they see something, they must say something, and if they harbour bandits, they will be the first to be dealt with by government. They must push the bandits out to security operatives for arrest.

“Secondly, we observed that this place must be cordoned off, and as we speak, they have started cutting trees and grasses. We want to give our troops more security by cutting the grasses and trees for visibility so that at night they can see those approaching.

“The state government stands ready to give support. The CO that has been deployed here, Colonel Innocent, is standing by me. This place is secured and the forest — the Old Oyo National Park — is vast and large and should not be turned into a sanctuary for bandits. They want to seize the space. I am calling on all our locals here, the Kabiyesi of Igbeti, to resist allowing bandits to seize the space. The moment that’s allowed, then no one is safe.

“The illegal mining ongoing around this area is also causing unrest, particularly in Bonni, which I understand is in Kwara State and shares a boundary with Oyo State. So I am sounding a strong warning to locals who patronise Bonni for lithium or other solid minerals to desist from illegal activities, or approach government and align with what government has put in place.

“Finally, I want to appreciate our people, particularly the Onigbeti of Igbeti, and the security operatives for the jobs they are doing, and I pray God Almighty will protect us. We must deploy all resources to ensure that all our people are safe. Any bandit hiding as an elder, trader or whatsoever must be fished out and dealt with.”

Earlier, the Army Commanding Officer, Colonel Innocent Asogwa, appealed to the Oyo State Government for reconstruction of the building, provision of new operational vehicles, solar and street lights, among others, to enhance operational activities in the area.

On the Deputy Governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Prof. Soliu Adelabu; Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd.), and others.