THE Oyo State police have detained 20 suspects in connection with today’s invasion of the state government secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
The accused were also found in possession of firearms, ammo, and an ATM.
“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.
According to police, the invaders are alleged members of the Yoruba Nation organization.
During the siege, the invaders arrived in buses and attempted to infiltrate the Governor’s Office, but security personnel foiled their plans.
During the early morning attack, they wore masks and scarves and hoisted a flag, which was assumed to be that of the agitators’.
“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.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots after they exchanged fire with security agents.
Following the invasion, a joint team of security personnel, including troops, took over the area, shutting entry and exit points to the Oyo State Government Secretariat. Traffic was then diverted away from the location.
However, the police stated that an investigation has been initiated into the situation. The “Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department” is part of the leadership team.
The Oyo State Government has however, not commented on the situation.
