Bandits attack Oyo security base, torch patrol van

Suspected armed bandits on Sunday attacked the Joint Security Task Force, codenamed Operation Burst, along the Igbeti axis of Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A security operative, who did not want his name in print, said, “A patrol van was set ablaze, but what happened thereafter I cannot say.

“The suspected bandits stormed the base in large numbers, but their efforts to dislodge the personnel on the ground were thwarted. The command mobilised personnel from sister agencies to ward off the attack. The suspects fled the scene.”

Also speaking, a credible source said the attackers allegedly set fire to a block within the security base and a patrol van, destroying both facilities.

• Police launch rescue for six Zamfara Imams, Matawalle rallies support
• Bandits’ crimes don’t represent Fulani, Shehu Sani tells Nigerians
• Police kill several bandits, recover motorcycles in Sokoto

“Preliminary inquiries revealed that the bandits allegedly stormed the base in large numbers and opened fire on security personnel with what was described as powerful weapons.

“The attackers were also suspected of attempting to overrun the security post, kill the personnel stationed there and cart away their weapons.

“The task force has already spread its dragnet in the area to hasten the arrest of the perpetrators,” the source told The PUNCH.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.