Panic as bandits kill Police Inspector in Oyo

Panic has gripped residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo following the killing of a police inspector during an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Budo Masalasi Border Post.

The incident, which occurred at about 1:30 pm on January 24, 2026, involved a police patrol team that was attacked by the assailants, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The attack came barely days after suspected bandits raided the National Park Service office in Oloka community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, where five forest rangers were reportedly killed.

ALSO READ: LASUTH ambulance driver dies in hospital toilet

According to reports, between 10 and 15 armed men stormed the border post and opened fire on the police operatives, forcing them to engage the attackers in a gun duel.

During the encounter, the Oyo Police Inspector was fatally shot while repelling the attack. The assailants were said to have escaped with the officer’s AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the slain officer as having paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“Yes, there was an attack on police operatives during which an Inspector, while courageously repelling the attack, paid the supreme price on the line of duty,” Ayanlade said.

He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, had ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators, adding that preliminary investigations revealed that some of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.

Ayanlade assured residents that security had been reinforced across the affected areas to forestall further attacks.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to reassure members of the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone with gunshot wounds, those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, or individuals exhibiting unusual behaviour to the nearest police station or other security agencies.