Igbeti Attack: Oyo Govt Deploys 120 Soldiers, Arrests Five Suspects
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Oyo State Government has deployed no fewer than 120 soldiers to the bush in pursuit of terrorists who attacked a military camp on the outskirts of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state.
The deployment was disclosed on Monday by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, when he visited the scene of the attack to assess the situation, less than 24 hours after the incident.
Lawal, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that residents of the affected communities should be assured of the government’s support.
According to him, Governor Makinde’s message to the people was clear: “You will never be abandoned.”
The Deputy Governor was conducted round the scene by the Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion, Lt. Col. Innocent Asogwa, who said 120 soldiers had been deployed into the bush to track the terrorists.
Asogwa explained that the fire which destroyed a building and a vehicle during the attack was triggered by the use of grenade launchers by the terrorists.
He said the explosives escalated the cooking gas cylinders at the premises, leading to the fire.
Meanwhile, the state government disclosed that at least five suspected terrorists had been arrested while wearing military uniforms.
The government said more arrests were expected as security personnel continued their efforts to track down other members of the group.
Speaking on the surveillance aircraft recently procured by the state government, Lawal said it had been conducting random sorties as part of security operations in the state.
He explained that the aircraft could not remain permanently in the sky but would be deployed when necessary for surveillance, reconnaissance and other security operations.
The Deputy Governor, who visited the scene alongside some local government chairmen and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, also announced the establishment of an emergency committee involving five local government areas adjoining the affected community.
The committee comprises Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo local government areas.
Lawal said the committee would provide immediate support for security personnel operating in the areas and liaise with the state government to ensure that necessary assistance was provided promptly.
He said the state government would continue to work with security agencies to protect residents across the state.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to play our part in ensuring that our people are safe,” Lawal said.
The Deputy Governor also expressed relief over the report that no life was lost during the attack.
Also present during the visit were the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya.