Oyo Govt To Rebuild Burnt Operation Burst Facility In Igbeti

The Oyo State Government has pledged to rebuild the Operation Burst facility burnt during a recent attack by suspected bandits in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area.

The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, gave the assurance while providing an update on the security situation around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

Lawal said the state government would support efforts to restore facilities affected by the attack, including the building used as accommodation by security operatives.

He, however, warned residents of communities around the Old Oyo National Park against harbouring bandits or providing them with any form of support.

The Deputy Governor urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and movements to security agencies, stressing that useful information could help prevent further attacks.

He also raised concerns over illegal mining activities around Boni, a community in neighbouring Kwara State, warning Oyo youths and indigenes patronising the area for lithium and other solid minerals to desist.

According to him, illegal mining could create opportunities for criminal elements to infiltrate and occupy forest areas, potentially turning the vast expanse of the Old Oyo National Park into a sanctuary for bandits.

Lawal warned that anyone harbouring criminal elements could put themselves and their communities at risk, particularly during security operations to flush out bandits from the area.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening security around communities bordering the national park and supporting security agencies to prevent further attacks.

The development followed an attack on an Operation Burst camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, where unknown gunmen reportedly stormed the facility, set the camp and operational vehicles ablaze before fleeing the area.