Igbeti attack: Soldiers nab 5 terrorists, as Oyo govt activates surveillance aircraft

Joseph Okwuofu, Ibadan 

In a swift response, the Oyo State Government has said that five terrorists believed to be members of the notorious ISWAP have been arrested by security agents following the attack on a military base at Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The arrest which was barely 24 hours after terrorists attacked a military base in the outskirts of Igbeti , according to the state Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, was made possible by the assistance of the newly acquired surveillance aircraft by the state Government and the combined efforts of soldiers and other sister security agencies.

He said no fewer than 120 soldiers were currently on the trail of the fleeing terrorists after they carried out the attack. No casualty was recorded in the attack, but one military vehicle was burnt down.

The Deputy Governor and some state commissioners were on the ground at Igbeti to assess the situation on Monday.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who also accompanied the Deputy Goveenor, said that Governor Seyi Makinde had a message for the people: ‘You will never be abandoned’.

While being conducted round the scene of the attack by the Commanding Officer, 81 Battalion, Lt Col Innocent Asogwa, the Deputy Gov learnt that not less than 120 soldiers have been sent into the bush on the trail of the terrorists.

Explaining the cause of the fire that burnt the building and a vehicle, the commander said that the terrorists used grenade launchers that escalated the cooking cylinders in the premises.

The Commissioner said that not less than five of the terrorists have been arrested in military uniforms, while more arrests are expected to be made.

The Deputy Governor said that the state newly procured surveillance aircraft engage constantly in random sorties (exercises) and cannot be permanently in the sky but will remain handy for all operations and reconnaissance.

He said that an emergency committee of the five adjoining local government councils of Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo has been set up to immediately provide all the needs of the security men in the areas and liaise with the state govt for prompt assistance.

‘As a responsible government, will continue to play our part in ensuring that our people are safe.’

He also said that the government welcomed the news that there were no casualties.

Also in the Dep Governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof Saliu Adelabu, and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya.