By Abdulhammed Abdulmalik Ayodeji | Fact Frontier.
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The Oyo State Police Command has given further details on the deadly attack on forest guards in Oriire Local Government Area, revealing how about 12 armed bandits emerged suddenly from surrounding bushes and opened heavy gunfire on the guards during a late-night assault.
The incident occurred at the National Park Rangers’ office in Oloka village, a forested community close to the Oyo–Kwara border, an axis security officials describe as vulnerable due to its vast vegetation and difficult terrain.
Confirming the attack, the Police said the gunmen struck under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of the quiet night to launch a coordinated assault on the facility.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adewale Osifeso, preliminary investigations showed that the attackers were heavily armed and appeared familiar with the area.
Information available to the Command indicates that about 12 armed men emerged from the bushes, opened sporadic gunfire on the forest guards on duty, and thereafter fled into the forest,the Police spokesperson said.
The attack reportedly led to the death of several forest guards, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Bodies of the slain personnel were later recovered and moved to nearby morgues, as security operatives cordoned off the area for investigation.
Police sources disclosed that the gunmen escaped through thick forest routes before reinforcements could arrive, a pattern that has become common in attacks linked to armed groups operating across forest corridors.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State visited the scene alongside senior officers to assess the situation and reassure residents of increased security presence.
This is a criminal and cowardly attack on officers performing their lawful duties. The Command has launched a full-scale manhunt to track down those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice,the Commissioner said.
The Police further confirmed that tactical units, mobile police squads, and intelligence operatives have been deployed to the area, while surveillance has been intensified across forest boundaries linking Oyo to neighbouring states.
Authorities believe the attackers may be part of a roving armed group exploiting forest routes to evade arrest, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the assailants have links to other recent security breaches in the region.
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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, reacting through official channels, condemned the attack and described it as a direct threat to peace and public safety.
We will not allow criminal elements to overrun our communities or forests. Security agencies have been directed to take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence,the governor said.
He added that his administration would continue to support security agencies with logistics and intelligence to strengthen operations in border communities and forest reserves.
Residents of Oloka and surrounding villages expressed fear following the attack, with community leaders calling for permanent security posts and improved patrols to protect both residents and officers working in the area.
Security experts warn that the incident underscores the growing challenge of securing forest zones, which armed groups often exploit due to limited access roads and dense vegetation.
As of the time of this report, no arrests had been announced, but the Police insist operations are ongoing and urge members of the public to provide credible information.
We appeal to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movement,the Police said.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that the attack will not go unanswered and that all perpetrators involved will be tracked and prosecuted.
