Police authorities in Oyo State, in collaboration with other security agencies, have apprehended 20 suspects in connection with the invasion of the state government premises in Agodi, Ibadan, on Saturday.
The arrests were made following a coordinated operation that also resulted in the recovery of various weapons, ammunition, ATMS were also recovered from the suspects.
“In all, (20) twenty suspects have been arrested in possession of; (3) three pump action guns, (291)two hundred and ninety-one life cartridges, (2) two expended cartridges, (67) sixty-seven cutlasses, (5) five bulletproof vest, (6) six pair of boots, (10) ten megaphone (public address system),(3) three Oodua styles beret caps, (7) seven belts, (11) eleven Oodua Nation army camouflage uniforms, (1) one unregistered Nissan Urban Caravan bus and (3) three TVs motor motorcycles,” the Oyo State police command spokesman Osifeso Adewale said in a statement.
The suspects, believed to be members of the Yoruba Nation group, were reportedly clad in military camouflage attire and armed with dangerous weapons when they attempted to infiltrate the Governor’s Office during the siege.
“The suspects, who were on military camouflages came heavily armed in an unregistered silver coloured Nissan Urban Caravan bus containing cutlasses, pump action rifles, cartridges, assorted charms, and an Oodua nation agitation flag,” the police said.
However, the swift response and bravery of security operatives thwarted their efforts.
Police authorities have condemned the invasion as criminal and unpatriotic, categorizing it as a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism.
They have assured that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to the perpetrators in accordance with the laws of the land.
An investigation into the incident has been initiated, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department leading the probe.
During the assault, witnesses reported hearing gunshots as security personnel engaged the invaders in a firefight.
However, normalcy has since been restored to the government secretariat as some people were seen holding a social event at the premises of the House of Chiefs with security operatives maintaining a visible presence to prevent further disturbances.
