BREAKING: Heavy Gunfire As Bandits Ambush Sunday Igboho’s Security Team in Oyo Forest, Several Injured
Several members of Iru Ekun, 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 the team during an operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred while the operatives were on a mission to track and dislodge suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be operating within the vast forest reserve.
The report stated that the security team had deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movements of armed groups before advancing into the area.
However, the operation reportedly turned violent when heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks, launched a surprise attack on the operatives.
The suspected bandits allegedly opened fire on the advancing security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest.
Several members of the Iru Ekun team were said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire. As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of wounded operatives had not been officially confirmed.
Despite the ambush, the security outfit reportedly fought back against the attackers. However, the extent of casualties suffered by the suspected bandits could not be independently verified.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in and around the Old Oyo National Park, which has become notorious in recent years for the activities of kidnapping syndicates and other armed criminal groups.
Residents of communities surrounding the forest have repeatedly raised alarm over the worsening insecurity, with many calling for stronger security measures to tackle criminal activities in the area.
SaharaReporters recalled that armed men recently attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils, students and teachers, including the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu.
The news platform also reported that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by his captors. According to the report, the teacher was beheaded in a video released by the bandits on Sunday. The viral footage allegedly showed him tied up, forced to speak, before being gruesomely executed.
The latest wave of insecurity also reportedly caused panic at Ijeru Baptist Basic School, where academic activities were disrupted as anxious parents and guardians hurriedly withdrew their children from classes.
Residents say fear of further attacks on schools continues to spread across several communities, particularly following the circulation of videos showing abducted teachers pleading with authorities to secure their release.
