Oyo Government Warns Residents Against Harbouring Bandits, Pledges To Rebuild Burnt Operation Burst facility in Igbeti
The Oyo State Government has warned residents of towns and communities around the Old Oyo National Park against harbouring bandits or providing them with any form of support, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, gave the warning while giving an update on the security situation in towns and communities around the Old Oyo National Park area, following the recent attack on an Operation Burst facility in the outskirts of Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area.
Barrister Lawal specifically urged residents of communities around the area from which bandits had reportedly been approaching to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information about suspicious persons and activities.
He warned that residents who harbour bandits could expose themselves and their communities to danger, particularly during security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the area.
The Deputy Governor also raised concerns over illegal mining activities around Boni, a community in Kwara State which shares a boundary with Oyo State, warning Oyo indigenes and youths who patronise the area for lithium and other solid minerals to desist.
He said the activities of illegal miners could create opportunities for criminal elements to infiltrate and occupy forest areas, stressing that the vast expanse of the Old Oyo National Park must not be allowed to become a sanctuary for bandits.
Barrister Bayo Lawal also assured residents that the state government would support efforts to restore facilities affected by the attack, including the building used as accommodation by security operatives which was reportedly burnt by the bandits.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to strengthening security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park and supporting security agencies in their efforts to prevent further attacks.
The latest development followed the attack on an Operation Burst camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, where unknown gunmen reportedly stormed the facility, set the camp and operational vehicles ablaze before fleeing the area.