The Police Command in Oyo State has confirmed an attack on a police patrol team at the Budo Masalasi Border Post, resulting in the death of a police inspector.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan.
According to the statement, the attack occurred on Saturday at about 1:30 p.m. when a group of about 10 to 15 gunmen ambushed a patrol team led by ASP Entonu Shaibu. During the confrontation, Inspector Aliu Oluwole was killed while repelling the attack.
The assailants reportedly fled with the inspector’s AK-47 rifle containing 30 rounds of ammunition.
“Yes, there was an attack on police operatives during which an inspector, while courageously repelling the attack, paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” Olayinka said.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Femi Haruna, had ordered an immediate manhunt and a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Olayinka added that preliminary findings indicated some of the attackers sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange, and operatives were currently trailing them.
The police spokesperson reassured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place across the state to safeguard lives and property.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and promptly report any individuals with gunshot wounds or those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances to the nearest police station or security agency.
“The command remains resolute in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous act and bringing them to justice,” Olayinka said.