Several travellers narrowly avoided a suspected terrorist attack near the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State on Sunday, heightening concerns over the growing security threats around the area.
Drivetvnews gathered that one of the travellers recounted that they received a phone call warning them about an attack at the reserve shortly before reaching the park. According to the source, the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m., prompting anxiety among those travelling through the route.
The traveller said an Amotekun patrol vehicle later passed their vehicle and stopped in Igbeti. After approaching the security operatives to verify the information they had received, one of the officers confirmed that an attack had indeed taken place but declined to provide additional details. The operative reportedly stated that security personnel were mobilising to respond to the situation.
The development has intensified fears among residents and road users, especially in the wake of recent kidnappings involving schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that security agencies, including the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, have been monitoring developments and tracking activities around the affected area.
Another source disclosed that a separate attack occurred near the national park on Friday. During that incident, one person was reportedly killed while another sustained injuries after assailants targeted travellers in the vicinity.
The recurring attacks have renewed concerns about criminal groups allegedly operating within forest reserves and remote communities across parts of the South-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria.
Old Oyo National Park, which extends across sections of Oyo and Kwara states, has frequently been linked to security concerns due to its vast forest landscape, which authorities believe may provide cover for criminal elements.
Reacting to reports of the latest incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command was gathering information and would issue an official statement once all facts surrounding the attack had been verified.
