In a disturbing turn of events, residents of Sepeteri, a community nestled in Oke Ogun, Saki East Local Government Area of Oyo State, are living in fear and tension following a recent attack by bandits within the confines of the Old Oyo National Park.
Sources reveal that the bandits targeted local vigilantes who had ventured into the forest reserve in pursuit of security measures. Tragically, one person lost their life, and two individuals were forcibly abducted during the horrifying ordeal that unfolded just days ago.
The residents who managed to escape the clutches of the assailants bravely informed the community leaders about the ominous presence of the bandits deep within the thick forest. Promptly, local vigilantes in Sepeteri took decisive action, commencing a sweeping search of the forest to combat the threat. However, they were met with fierce resistance as the bandits engaged them in a deadly gun battle, leaving some of the vigilantes injured. These wounded heroes were quickly transported to the hospital in Igboho for much-needed medical attention.
The situation has prompted a collaborative effort between local security forces and other law enforcement agencies in a determined mission to rescue the kidnapped victims. These recent events are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the region to the menace of banditry.
It’s important to note that this incident follows a series of violent clashes in the area, with multiple casualties, including the tragic loss of lives, recorded in Iwere Ile and Otu during previous farmers-herders conflicts. These recurring clashes have prompted Governor Makinde to explore potential solutions, as he hinted in a recent newsletter obtained by National Insight. The state is considering the implementation of the 2019 Anti-Grazing Law as one of the ways to address the persistent farmers-herders clashes that have gripped the region.
