Fresh Oyo Bandit Attack Exposes Security Gaps – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has raised concerns over the security situation in the state following a fresh attack by suspected bandits on a security base.

The party said the incident showed weaknesses in the state’s security arrangements and questioned the effectiveness of surveillance measures put in place by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Wasiu Sadare, made the position known in a statement issued on Monday while reacting to the attack.

Suspected bandits reportedly invaded a base occupied by personnel of Operation Burst, a state security outfit, in the early hours of Sunday.

The incident occurred along the Igbeti-Igboho road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area, where the attackers were said to have operated for more than an hour before leaving with some items.

Among the property reportedly taken during the attack were a generator and a motorcycle.

Reacting to the development, the APC said the attack raised questions about the government’s ability to monitor and respond to security threats in remote parts of the state.

The party particularly questioned the deployment and effectiveness of two surveillance aircraft reportedly acquired by the Makinde administration to improve security monitoring across Oyo.

According to the APC, there had been little public evidence of the aircraft being used for surveillance since their reported delivery, despite the security challenges facing some parts of the state.

The party said the latest attack was especially concerning because Igbeti had reportedly been identified as the location of a base for the surveillance aircraft, yet the attackers were allegedly able to operate without being detected and tracked.

The APC argued that effective aerial surveillance could have assisted security agencies in monitoring the attackers and responding to the incident.

Sadare also criticised Governor Makinde over his repeated comments on the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the governor of lacking sufficient understanding of economic management.

The APC said the security incident should prompt the state government to provide greater clarity on the use and deployment of its surveillance equipment and strengthen measures to protect communities and security personnel in vulnerable areas.