IBADAN, — The Oyo State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt after an Inspector of Police, Aliu Oluwole, was killed during an armed attack on police operatives at the Budo Masalasi Border Post in Oyo State, authorities said on Sunday.
Police said the Inspector died while repelling the attackers, who also carted away his AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition (breach number 4516), raising concerns about the circulation of stolen service weapons in the area.
Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner of Police has ordered “an intensive operation” to track and apprehend those responsible, alongside a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
“Preliminary findings reveal that some of the attackers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently being pursued by security operatives,” Olayinka said, adding that tactical efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen firearm.
The attack comes amid heightened security anxiety in Oyo’s rural and border communities. Police linked the latest incident to a recent pattern of violent raids in the wider axis, noting that suspected bandits had, weeks earlier, attacked a National Park Service office in Oloka Community, Oriire Local Government Area, killing five forest rangers.
In response, the police said security measures have been strengthened across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly by reporting anyone with gunshot wounds, those seeking suspicious medical attention, or individuals displaying unusual movements or behaviour to the nearest police station or other security agency.
Describing the assault as “heinous,” the command said it remains determined to bring the perpetrators to justice as the manhunt and investigation continue.
