Suspected O’odua Nation agitators launched an attack on the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday, causing chaos and prompting a swift response from security forces.
Dressed in military camouflage and armed with weapons, the agitators attempted to overwhelm security operatives at the State Assembly complex and throughout the entire secretariat. Eyewitnesses reported that they hoisted their own flag within the Assembly premises.
Security personnel, alarmed by the situation, called for backup, leading to a confrontation between the agitators and a combined team of security forces including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Sporadic gunfire erupted as security forces moved to restore order and overpower the agitators. Despite the swift response, some of the gunmen managed to evade arrest, fleeing into nearby bushes and forests.
Reports indicate that the agitators arrived in an ash-colored Hiace bus and two motorcycles, which were seized by security forces. They targeted the State House of Assembly premises, replacing the Nigerian national flag with their own O’odua Nation flag before being intercepted by security personnel.
Following the incident, a total of 16 suspects were arrested, with two sustaining bullet wounds during the confrontation. Others escaped with gunshot injuries, according to unconfirmed reports.
Mr. Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Security, assured the public that the situation had been brought under control. He described the gunmen as “miscreants” and urged the public not to panic.
Security personnel have been stationed at the secretariat gate to ensure the safety of the area, while investigations into the incident continue.
Adewale Osifeso, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, confirmed the incident but stated that he was still gathering details.