Suspected bandits have attacked a security base of the Joint Security Task Force, Operation Burst, along the Igbeti axis of Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, setting a patrol van ablaze.
The attackers, said to have stormed the security base in large numbers on Sunday, reportedly opened fire on personnel with powerful weapons and attempted to overrun the facility.
A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the patrol van was set ablaze during the attack but said he could not immediately provide details of what happened afterwards.
“The suspected bandits stormed the base in large numbers, but their efforts to dislodge the personnel on the ground were thwarted.
“The command mobilised personnel from sister agencies to ward off the attack. The suspects fled the scene,” the operative said.
Another credible source said the attackers allegedly set fire to a block within the security base in addition to the patrol vehicle, causing damage to the facilities.
“Preliminary inquiries revealed that the bandits allegedly stormed the base in large numbers and opened fire on security personnel with what was described as powerful weapons.
“The attackers were also suspected of attempting to overrun the security post, kill the personnel stationed there and cart away their weapons,” the source said.
The source added that the task force had launched a manhunt for the attackers, with security personnel spreading their dragnet across the area to facilitate their arrest.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the activities of armed groups in parts of Oyo State and the safety of security personnel operating in vulnerable areas.
