A Police Inspector has been killed following an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Budo Masalasi border post in Oyo State. Naijanewshub has learnt.
The incident occurred on Friday, January 24, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m., according to security sources.
It was gathered that a patrol team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Entonu Shaibu, encountereed 10 and 15 suspected bandits during a routine operation in the area.
An exchange of gunfire reportedly ensued, but the attackers, who had numerical advantage, overpowered the police team, leading to the death of Inspector Aliu Oluwole.
During the attack, the assailants also made away with the deceased officer’s AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, bearing breach number 4516.
Police tactical teams, acting on credible intelligence, have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to apprehending them and recovering the stolen firearm. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The attack comes just weeks after suspected bandits raided the National Park Service office in Oloka Community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, during which five forest rangers were killed.
Residents of the area suggested that the latest attack might be in retaliation, following the recent arrest of suspected bandits by state security operatives who subsequently handed them over to the police.
Confirming the incident through a text message to journalists on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said police operatives were attacked while on duty, resulting in the death of an Inspector who “courageously repelled the attack and paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”
He disclosed that upon receiving information about the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators and directed a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
According to him, preliminary findings indicate that some of the attackers sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, and operatives are currently trailing them.
The Oyo State Police Command reassured members of the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any individuals with gunshot wounds, those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, or persons exhibiting suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators of the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.