Fear and trauma have forced residents of Oloka village in Oyo State to abandon their homes following a brutal assault by suspected bandits earlier this week. The attack, which targeted a National Park Service office, left at least five forest guards dead and shattered the community's sense of safety.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
The violence erupted on Tuesday, January 6, when approximately twelve attackers emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire on the Rangers' office. The assailants fled the scene after the deadly assault. By Wednesday, January 7, the Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, had recovered the bodies of the five slain forest rangers.
Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka stated that preliminary investigations are ongoing, with gathered evidence aiding efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. He emphasized that the attack was specifically directed at the National Forest Rangers' facility and that swift police intervention prevented further violence from spilling into the surrounding village.
A Community in Flight and Under Siege
Despite the deployment of tactical security units, including Mobile Police officers and explosive ordnance teams ordered by CP Haruna, the community remains gripped by panic. A resident who spoke anonymously described Oloka as "empty," with many villagers having fled to neighbouring communities.
Commercial and social activities have ground to a complete halt, with streets deserted and many homes locked. Those who remain cite the presence of security operatives as their only reason for staying. Residents express deep uncertainty about returning to normal life, stating the attack has crippled livelihoods and fractured their fundamental sense of security.
Calls for Action and Official Response
In the wake of the tragedy, villagers are urgently calling on the state government and security agencies to establish permanent security posts in the area to prevent a recurrence. They seek a lasting solution to restore peace and allow them to return home without fear.
Micheal Alabi, the Chairman of Orire Local Government Area, acknowledged the crisis, stating that authorities are taking decisive steps to address the situation. He confirmed that efforts are underway to "rejig the security architecture" of the area in a bid to restore lasting peace and order to the traumatised community.
