Several operatives of Iru Ekun, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, have reportedly sustained injuries following a fierce gun battle with suspected cross-border bandits in the Old Oyo National Park.
Key Highlight:
Summarized 5 Key Points
- Several Iru Ekun operatives were injured during a gun battle with suspected bandits in the Old Oyo National Park.
- The operation was aimed at flushing out kidnappers and other criminal groups operating in the forest.
- Security operatives used surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts before advancing.
- A fierce exchange of gunfire erupted after the operatives came under heavy attack from suspected cross-border bandits.
- The incident reflects worsening insecurity in Oyo State, especially around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby communities.
The incident reportedly occurred during a security operation aimed at tracking and flushing out suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be operating within the expansive forest reserve.
It was gathered that the security team deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the area.
However, the operation turned violent when the operatives allegedly came under heavy gunfire from suspected cross-border bandits, triggering a fierce exchange of fire deep inside the forest.
Sources said several members of the Iru Ekun team were injured in the confrontation, although the exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Despite the ambush, the operatives were said to have mounted stiff resistance against the attackers.
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The extent of casualties, if any, suffered by the suspected bandits could not be independently verified.
The Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forest corridors have in recent years become notorious for kidnapping and other criminal activities, with residents of surrounding communities repeatedly raising concerns over worsening insecurity.
The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Oyo State following a series of attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
In one of the attacks, armed men abducted pupils, teachers and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by his captors, who released a disturbing video showing his execution.
