The Oyo State House of Assembly has instructed its Security and Strategy Standing Committee to investigate the recent banditry attacks on Kujifi, Kosobo, Ajirowo villages, and several hamlets near the Old Oyo National Park Area of Sepeteri in Oyo State.
This directive was issued in response to a Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought forward by Hon. Rilwan Saminu and Hon. Lukman Jimoh, representing Atisbo/Saki East and Oorelope State constituencies, respectively.
During the House session, Hon. Saminu expressed concern about the escalating security threat posed by banditry and harsher attacks in various parts of the state. He highlighted the tragic consequences, with innocent lives lost and many individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Providing details on recent attacks by unidentified gunmen, Hon. Saminu condemned the acts as evil, callous, and disheartening. He emphasized the need for swift action, urging the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the state’s security agencies.
He said “Some days ago, there was a sudden invasion of Kujifi, Kosobo, Ajirowo by some unknown gunmen. These evil men did not only terrorize people in the area, but they also killed an innocent man in Kujifi Village, murdered one of the vigilantes in cold blood on the 6th of November 2023, and kidnapped two of the local farmers on 11th November, 2023.”
“The occupants of the affected villages and hamlets had since then abandoned their homes in an attempt to save themselves from being kidnapped or killed by these callous men of the underworld. It is also gathered that the gunmen were advancing day by day towards Sepeteri town as they were seen by some farmers and hunters along the road to Sepeteri town from the Old Oyo National Park some days ago.” He added.
The House has however urged the Executive Arm of Government, through the Oyo State Security Network “Amotekun ” to mobilize security agents to Sepeteri and its environs in order to provide adequate security for the people and allay their fear.
The resolves stated further that the State Commissioner of Police should collaborate with the Oyo State security outfits Amotekun, and the local Hunters in order to comb all the hideouts of gunmen terrorizing the communities and make possible arrests and Prosecution.
