The Oyo State Police Command and Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in the state are laying claim to the onslaught on suspected bandits in a section of the old Oyo National Park in Oke-Ogun area of the state, that led to the arrest of some suspects.
OPC leader, Aare Gani Adams had last week alerted the world that some terrorists have occupied the forest in Kisi, a town in Oke-Ogun, adding that the criminals were attacking and kidnapping residents. His announcement was confirmed by Kisi residents which made security agencies and unconventional local security personnel to launch an onslaught in order to rid the forest of criminals.
However, In a statement signed the state coordinator, Mr Rotimi Olumo, on Monday, the OPC claimed that it launched an onslaught against the bandits on Sunday evening, explaining that some of them were arrested with arms and ammunition.
He said OPC members moved into the park following Adams’ claims, adding that the OPC leader mandated them to take action. Olumo pointed out that OPC members gained entrance into the forest reserve, confronted the bandits, and apprehended five of them.
He added that those apprehended were handed over to the police for prosecution.
The OPC coordinator thanked traditional rulers in the area for providing necessary information for its members and the police, saying that OPC has achieved a lot in making sure that peace reigns in Oyo State.
“As the state co-ordinator of OPC, I must thank our leader, the Aare Ona Kankanfo for giving us the adequate information about the operations of kidnappers and terrorists in Oke Ogun,” Olumo said.
He called on the Oyo State Government to give necessary support to the organisation based on its track record of contributing to peace and security in the state.
But when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi said he could not comment on OPC’s claims, adding that police and other security agencies launched an attack on the criminals on Sunday evening and arrested three suspected bandits with arms and ammunition.
He said: “On 20/09/20 at about 7pm, combined team of the police and vigilante groups encountered dare-devil bandits in the forest along Igbeti-Kisi areas in the hideout of the bandits and three suspects were arrested while some escaped with bullets wounds. Four AK 47 rifles were recovered with five magazines and 67 rounds of live ammunition, N78,000, four handsets and assorted charms. Efforts intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects with wounds. SARS is investigating.”
After a while, Fadeyi, later send a message which read: “Efforts intensified. One more AK49 rifle was recovered with 16 live ammunition by Joint security agents and vigilantes.”
