TheCable

Sunday Igboho and Banji Akintoye, the leading Yoruba nation activists, have condemned the invasion of the Oyo state secretariat by Oodua nation agitators.

On Saturday, security officials arrested 16 gunmen suspected to be members of the group, for invading the state government secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

The gunmen, who were dressed in military camouflage, reportedly engaged security officers in a gun duel.

Some of the gunmen took to their heels and were pursued into nearby bushes and forests.

They were also said to have removed the Nigerian national flag in the secretariat and replaced it with their “Oodua nation flag”, before the intervention of the security officials.

Reacting through Olayemi Koiki, his media aide, Igboho said he is not aware of the group or their motive for invading.

“I know nothing about it and I don’t know those behind it. If we want to organise a rally or any Yoruba nation activity, we usually make an announcement beforehand,” Igboho said.

“Any person that said he is agitating for Yoruba nation and is going to attack government facilities, that person or group is on his own. I don’t know anything about it.”

In his reaction, Akintoye, a former leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, also washed his hands off the invaders.

“I have spoken to Sunday Igboho. Some people sent them to make sure that they disrupt the Yoruba self-determination struggle,” Akintoye said.

“We in this struggle don’t act in that manner.”

REMAIN CALM AND VIGILANT, ARMY SAYS

In a statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, its spokesperson, the Nigerian Army called on the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

“This is to notify the general public that today Saturday 13 April 2024, sequel to the report of an attack on the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes,” the statement reads.

“Upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray.

“As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered.

“Currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control. We assure members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the general area.

“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. The safety and security of the citizenry remain a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.”