In a tragic incident that has heightened security concerns, five persons are feared dead following a brutal attack by suspected bandits on personnel of the National Park Service (NPS) in Oyo State. The assault occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area.
Details of the Nighttime Assault
The attackers stormed the National Park facility at approximately 9 p.m., catching the NPS officers completely off guard. The sudden and violent nature of the raid led to significant casualties, with several officers reportedly killed or injured during the exchange. The remote location of the park in Oloka likely contributed to the element of surprise achieved by the assailants, who remain unidentified.
Police Response and Official Confirmation
The Oyo State Police Command has officially confirmed the distressing event. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, acknowledged the attack by yet-to-be-identified men against the park officials. In response to the crisis, Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna has ordered the immediate deployment of reinforcements to the area.
Tactical teams, officers from the Mobile Police Force (MPF), and operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit have been dispatched to the affected zone in Orire LGA. Their primary mandate is to secure the scene, pursue the perpetrators, and prevent any further breakdown of law and order. Commissioner Haruna and other service chiefs are also personally en route to the location to assess the situation firsthand.
Implications and Ongoing Situation
This brazen attack on a federal facility underscores the persistent challenge of banditry and coordinated violence in certain regions. The targeting of National Park Service personnel, who are often tasked with protecting remote conservation areas, points to a serious security vulnerability. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raises urgent questions about the safety of government staff in isolated posts.
As of now, the police operation is ongoing. Authorities are working to:
- Secure the perimeter of the National Park in Oloka.
- Conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the attackers.
- Provide support and medical care for the injured officers.
- Reinforce security protocols to deter future incidents.
The nation awaits further updates from the Oyo State Police Command as more details emerge from this developing story.
