BREAKING: Tension at Oyo Secretariat as masked men clash with security

A group of masked men suspected to be Yoruba Nation Agitators have reportedly entered the Oyo Government Secretariat. These armed individuals were strategically positioned throughout the Secretariat premises.

Some were stationed at the Governor’s office gate, others at the House of Assembly Gate, and additional ones at the main entrance. The presence of these individuals caused widespread panic in the area, as security personnel on duty struggled to contain the situation.

The identities of the masked individuals remained unknown at the time of reporting. Law enforcement agencies, including the Police Command and anti-crime units, swiftly responded, deploying numerous patrol vans to the Secretariat entrance. Additionally, operatives from the Oyo security network, known as Amotekun, arrived at the scene.

Tensions escalated as security forces engaged in a confrontation with the agitators, leading to the use of tear gas. The commotion prompted residents and motorists in the vicinity to seek safety, with some altering their travel routes.

Efforts by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired), to defuse the situation proved unsuccessful, as the masked individuals insisted on displaying their flag within the Secretariat premises.

However, the arrival of military personnel from the 2nd Division of the Army approximately an hour later shifted the dynamics. Some of the agitators fled upon the sight of the stern-looking officers, who pursued them.

In response to the unfolding events, shop owners, businesses, and residents in areas such as Bodija, Ikolaba, and along the Awolowo route swiftly secured their premises.

As of the time of reporting, it remained unclear whether any arrests had been made, as security operations continued to restore order to the area.