Suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked the National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, leaving at least five personnel feared dead in a brazen assault that has once again raised concerns over security around federal installations.
The attack, which occurred at about 9 p.m., threw the quiet agrarian community into panic as heavily armed men reportedly overpowered officers on duty before fleeing the scene. Residents described hearing sporadic gunshots, forcing many to stay indoors amid fears of further violence.
Although official casualty figures are yet to be formally released, sources at the scene said no fewer than five NPS personnel lost their lives during the incident. Efforts to confirm the identities of the victims were ongoing as of press time.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies had swung into action to stabilise the area and forestall a possible escalation.
“Yes, there was an attack by yet-to-be-identified men on personnel of the National Park Service,” Ayanlade said. “The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are already on their way to the location.”
He disclosed that the state police command had deployed tactical units, including Mobile Police Force operatives and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, to the affected community.
“The deployment is to prevent further breakdown of law and order and to reassure residents of our commitment to restoring calm,” he added.
The incident comes against the backdrop of mounting security challenges across parts of the country, with stakeholders increasingly questioning the adequacy of protection for critical government facilities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
As investigations continue, residents and security analysts alike are calling for a more coordinated, intelligence-driven response to safeguard vulnerable locations and stem the tide of violent attacks.
Details later…
