By John Umeh
At least four personnel of the National Park Service were killed on Tuesday night after armed men attacked the agency’s office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The assault, which reportedly occurred around 9 p.m., left another officer critically injured and currently receiving medical treatment, according to preliminary accounts from the area.
Local sources said no fewer than five park officials were caught in the attack. An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that four victims died on the spot, while the fifth sustained severe injuries during the incident.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the attack, describing it as an assault by unidentified gunmen on National Park Service personnel. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies were immediately mobilised following reports of the incident.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, alongside other security chiefs, moved to the scene to assess the situation and coordinate a response.
He added that tactical units, mobile police officers, and operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence.
“The deployment is to ensure the safety of lives and property, stabilise the area, and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” the police spokesperson said.
Residents were urged to remain calm as investigations and security operations continue, with assurances that law enforcement agencies are fully engaged in tracking those responsible for the attack.
The incident has heightened security concerns in the state, particularly over the possible spillover of criminal activities from neighbouring Kwara State, where banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on security personnel have intensified in recent months.
Security analysts and residents have warned that criminal networks operating across forest corridors linking Kwara, Oyo, Niger, and Kogi states could pose a growing threat to the wider southwest region if not decisively confronted.
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for the assailants responsible for the killing of five officers of the National Park Service during a late-night attack in Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, confirmed the fatalities on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attacked National Park Service facility. He was accompanied by senior police officers, heads of sister security agencies, and the Commandant of the National Forest Rangers.
Preliminary findings indicate that about 12 armed men emerged from surrounding bushes late Tuesday night and opened fire on the rangers’ office before fleeing the area. The attack, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on January 6, was reportedly targeted solely at the National Park Service facility.
In response, Haruna ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel, including intelligence operatives, tactical teams, and mobile police units, to reinforce security within the axis and prevent further attacks.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the police commissioner assessed the security situation at the scene and held discussions with community leaders, during which he expressed condolences to residents over the tragic loss.
“He reassured the community of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure that such an incident does not recur,” the statement said.
Haruna disclosed that swift action by security forces following the attack helped prevent further violence and a possible breakdown of law and order in the area. He added that the Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi Division, and tactical operatives were immediately mobilised to secure the scene, protect residents, and commence evidence gathering.
The remains of the slain officers have since been deposited, while forensic teams carried out a detailed sweep of the crime scene to recover relevant evidence.
The police commissioner stressed that investigations were ongoing and that emerging intelligence was already providing useful leads that could aid the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are tracked down and brought to justice,” Haruna said.
He also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect lives and property across Oyo State, while appreciating the Inspector-General of Police for continued operational support to the command.
Haruna urged members of the public to remain calm and assist security agencies by providing credible information that could support ongoing investigations.
Residents were advised to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre on toll-free line 615, or via the police control room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
