In a startling development, individuals wearing masks and believed to be advocates for the Yoruba Nation have besieged the Oyo State Government Secretariat.
These individuals, who were armed, took up positions at key locations within the Secretariat premises.
Reports indicate that some guarded the entry to the Governor’s office, while others were positioned at the House of Assembly Gate and the main entrance to the Secretariat.
The presence of these individuals caused widespread alarm throughout the vicinity, with on-duty security personnel struggling to manage the situation effectively.
As of this report, the identities of the masked individuals remain unknown.
A swift response from the Police Command and other law enforcement agencies saw numerous patrol vehicles converge at the Secretariat’s entrances.
Members of the Oyo security network, known as Amotekun, were also reported to have reached the scene.
Tensions escalated as confrontations between the security forces and the agitators led to an exchange of gunfire.
The use of tear gas was reported, further heightening the sense of panic among local residents.
The ensuing chaos prompted motorists to seek alternative routes, while pedestrians hurried to find cover.
Traffic along the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road was disrupted, with road users rerouting at Customs Junction.
Efforts by the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired), to defuse the situation proved unsuccessful, as the armed group remained adamant about raising their flag at the Secretariat.
However, the arrival of military personnel from the Army’s 2nd Division marked a turning point, causing many of the agitators to flee from the entrance gate.
The military officers pursued the masked individuals, as shopkeepers and residents in nearby areas such as Bodija, Ikolaba, and along the Awolowo route hastily secured their premises.
At the time of reporting, it remains unconfirmed whether any arrests have been made, though efforts to reestablish order are ongoing.
