The Oyo State Government has disclosed that five suspected terrorists have been arrested following the attack on a military camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, as more than 120 soldiers have been deployed in pursuit of the fleeing assailants.
The government also said surveillance aircraft recently procured by the state were being deployed for reconnaissance operations to support efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further security breaches.
The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the scene of the attack, barely 24 hours after the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who accompanied the deputy governor, Lawal conveyed Governor Seyi Makinde’s assurance that the people of the area would not be abandoned.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has a message for the people: ‘You will never be abandoned,’” the statement quoted Lawal as saying.
The deputy governor, who was conducted round the affected facility by the Commanding Officer of the 81 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Asogwa, was briefed on the military’s response and the ongoing operation to apprehend the attackers.
The commander explained that the destruction of the building and an operational vehicle during the attack resulted from the use of grenade launchers by the terrorists, which caused cooking gas cylinders within the premises to explode.
The government said five suspected terrorists had so far been arrested, with further arrests expected as security operatives intensified their operations.
Lawal said the state’s newly acquired surveillance aircraft would continue to support security operations through reconnaissance and monitoring, while explaining that the aircraft could not remain airborne continuously.
He said the aircraft conducted random sorties and would be available when required for security operations.
The deputy governor also announced the establishment of an emergency committee comprising the chairmen of five adjoining local government areas to coordinate immediate support for security personnel operating in the affected communities.
The councils are Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo.
The committee, he said, would identify the needs of security personnel in the areas and liaise with the state government to ensure prompt assistance.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to play our part in ensuring that our people are safe,” Lawal said.
He expressed relief that no casualties were recorded in the attack, describing the absence of fatalities as welcome news.
The deputy governor was accompanied on the visit by some local government chairmen and the Onigbeti of Igbeti.
Others in his entourage included the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Saliu Adelabu, and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya.
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies and safeguarding residents of the affected communities.