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Mass Departure from Oloka Village Following Deadly Bandit Raid
After a violent attack on the National Park Service office earlier this week, residents of Oloka village in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State, have been fleeing their homes in large numbers despite increased security presence. The community remains engulfed in anxiety and uncertainty as the repercussions of the assault continue to unfold.
Tragic Assault Leaves Forest Rangers Dead, Community Paralyzed
On Tuesday, January 6, a group of suspected bandits violently attacked Oloka, killing at least five forest rangers. The brutal incident has left the villagers deeply traumatized, prompting many to seek refuge in neighboring towns. The village streets are eerily empty, homes are shuttered, and everyday economic and social activities have ground to a halt, illustrating the profound psychological toll on the population.
Residents Flee Amid Persistent Insecurity
A local resident, who preferred to remain unnamed, described Oloka as “nearly abandoned,” with only a few inhabitants staying behind due to the deployment of security forces. Many displaced villagers remain uncertain about when it will be safe to return, as the attack has severely disrupted their livelihoods and eroded their sense of safety.
Urgent Demand for Permanent Security Infrastructure
Community members have called on the Oyo State government and security agencies to establish permanent security outposts within Oloka to prevent future attacks. This plea underscores the critical need for a long-term security strategy to rebuild trust and ensure stability in the area.
Local Authorities and Police Take Action
Micheal Alabi, Chairman of Orire Local Government Area, confirmed that efforts are underway to restore calm and reassess the security framework for the region. On January 7, the Oyo State Police Command recovered the bodies of the slain forest rangers. Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, alongside senior security officials and the National Forest Rangers’ Commandant, conducted an on-site inspection to evaluate the situation.
Enhanced Security Deployment and Ongoing Investigation
To prevent further violence, specialized units including Mobile Police and explosive ordnance disposal teams have been dispatched to the area. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka disclosed that initial investigations indicate about twelve attackers emerged from nearby bushes to assault the Rangers’ office before escaping. Collected evidence is aiding authorities in tracking down the perpetrators.
Targeted Assault and Rapid Police Response
Olayinka stressed that the attack was specifically aimed at the National Forest Rangers’ office, and swift police intervention helped prevent the violence from spreading to the wider community. This incident highlights the persistent security challenges confronting forest protection agencies in the region.
Broader Security Concerns in Oyo State and Southwestern Nigeria
Banditry and violent confrontations with security personnel have escalated across southwestern Nigeria, with Oyo State witnessing multiple such attacks in recent years. According to the Nigerian Security Tracker, over 30 assaults targeting forest and wildlife officials have been documented nationwide within the last year. This trend underscores the pressing need for comprehensive security reforms and enhanced community collaboration to protect vulnerable regions.
