Ibadan, Nigeria — Authorities have apprehended seven individuals suspected of involvement in a violent attack that claimed the lives of five rangers at the Old Oyo National Park. Among those detained is believed to be the mastermind behind the assault, which occurred earlier this month.
On January 6, a group of armed bandits, heavily armed and arriving on motorcycles, stormed the park’s office, launching an aggressive attack on forest rangers and park staff. This sudden onslaught has raised significant concerns about security in the area.
Following the attack, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police spokesperson, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation and deployed necessary resources to the scene. The response involved an intelligence-driven operation that led to the initial capture of three suspects shortly after the attack.
The suspects, identified as Mohammed Dangi, 52, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Sheu Usman, provided police with extensive details regarding the assault, which they say involved ten men on motorcycles. Their main objective was to free gang members who had previously been detained by forest authorities for various offenses in the park and surrounding areas.
As investigations progressed, four additional suspects were captured on January 25. These individuals are Toro Malami, 43, Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu, 22, and Usman Alhaji Isah, 32. The suspects have continued to offer valuable information, aiding ongoing efforts to locate other members of the gang who remain at large.
Authorities are collaborating with various security agencies to enhance their measures in the area. The police have reassured the community that they are dedicated to restoring safety and order.
Officials have cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, emphasizing that misinformation can incite panic and disrupt public tranquility. As the investigation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.