By Blessing Chinagorom
Sequel to the report of an attack on the Oyo State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Saturday, the Nigerian Army troops said it has promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes.
According to the statement released by the Army Spokesman, Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu on Saturday explained that upon encountering the troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged in a shootout.
While added that the army troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray. As a result of this engagement, nine members of irredentist group apprehended, also one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered.
Nigerian Army said, currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control, assured members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the general area.
They urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. “The safety and security of the citizenry remain a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region”, Nigerian Army added.
Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital. Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.
This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes. Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.
Meanwhile, the leader of Yoruba Self Determination Group, Professor Banji Akintoye and Yoruba Nation Activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho have distanced themselves from the agitators group that invaded the Secretariat.
The duo said they were not aware or in support of the agitators and their actions while the Yoruba Nation leader, Akintoye said those agitators involved were not fighting for the Yoruba interests but against the Yorubas in their conducts.
He said available information indicated the group appointed an interim government for the Yoruba Nation and decided to take over the region from the Oyo State secretariat, which informed the deployment of men in military camouflage.
