By Adesina Soyooye
As Nigerians continue to express shock and surprise over how a group of Yoruba Nation adherents effortlessly invaded the State Secretariat Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, on Saturday, April 13, the Nigeria Army has admitted that the invaders wore foreign Military uniforms and berets.
Not a few Nigerians wondered how the invaders who carried dangerous weapons, succeeded in taking down Nigeria’s flag, and hoisted that of the Yoruba Nation, carried out their plans without any detection by Nigeria’s Security and Intelligence Community.
The admission by the Army that they wore foreign Military Uniforms has put more fear into a number of Nigerians who are now asking “how come?” They are also asking Security Agencies to get to the root of the scary incident and arrest and prosecute those behind what they say is the equivalent of an “attempted coup” against the Government of Oyo State and by implication, the South West Governments.
But in a statement it issued, signed on its behalf by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, the Nigeria Army said it is on top of the situation.
The statement explained that the invaders met superior firepower which led to the arrest of nine of them, and the recovery of some arms and ammunition. It said the others escaped but emphasized the escapees will be tracked down and arrested.
The statement reads in full:
SITUATION REPORT ON INVASION OF OYO STATE SECRETARIAT AGODI
“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.
“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.
“ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Major General
Director Army Public Relations
13 April 2024”
