Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked the National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, leaving about five personnel feared dead.
The attack, which threw the community into panic as residents fled the area following sporadic gunshots. Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, unverified reports indicate that no fewer than five NPS operatives lost their lives during the assault.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies had mobilised to the scene to restore order and prevent further attacks.
“Yes, there was an attack by yet-to-be-identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location.”
He added that the state police command had deployed additional security assets to the affected area.
“Meanwhile, the CP, Femi Haruna, has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the National Park Service is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while security operatives continue to secure the area and commence preliminary investigations.
More details are expected.
