Gunmen Ambush Police Patrol Team, One Killed

Gunmen have killed a police inspector during an attack on a patrol team in Oyo State, marking the latest in a series of violent assaults on security personnel in the state.

The incident occurred on Saturday at about 1:30 p.m. at the Budo Masalasi border post, where armed men opened fire on a police patrol team on routine duty. The team was led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Entonu Shaibu.

Oyo State Police Command confirmed the attack on Sunday. The police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the assailants, estimated to be between 10 and 15, engaged the officers in a gun battle that resulted in the death of Inspector Aliu Oluwole.

During the attack, the gunmen seized the inspector’s AK-47 rifle along with 30 rounds of ammunition.

Mr Olayinka said preliminary investigations showed that some of the attackers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had ordered a manhunt and a full investigation into the incident.

Security operatives, he said, are tracking the suspects, while additional measures have been deployed to protect lives and property across the state.

Residents were urged to remain alert and report anyone with gunshot wounds or individuals seeking medical treatment for such injuries under suspicious circumstances.

The attack comes barely a week after another police officer was killed during an assault on Aqua Triton Company in Oyo State, where a Chinese expatriate was also abducted. Police said the attackers carried out that operation on 16 January and escaped after engaging security personnel.

Earlier in the month, suspected bandits attacked the National Forest Rangers’ office in Oloka village, Ikoyi-Ile area, killing five rangers. No arrests have been made in any of the recent attacks.

Police authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence in the state.