Shootings, panic over alleged influx of bandits in Ilesa
Timothy Agbor, Osogbo
Residents of Ilesa, Osun State were on Friday thrown into panic over alleged influx of some suspected bandits and Fulani herdsmen in the town at night.
Some residents claimed that some bandits and Fulani herdsmen were dropped from truck coming from the north on the streets of Ilesa ahead of the June 12 protest.
They said the migrants invaded the town in the wee hours of Thursday thus causing fear among residents who raised the alarm.
Impeccable security sources revealed that there were heavy gunshots across the town, a development that kept the residents awake and confused. Some residents alleged that they received report that the invaders were coming to attack them.
However, in their defence, some youths in the town made bonfire across all streets and major roads as part of efforts to repell the rumoured attack.
But other sources claimed that some Fulani herdsmen were departing the town for fear of being attacked during June 12 protest before residents started raising the alarm.
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When contacted on the telephone on Friday, Osun State Police spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola clarified that the residents made bonfire across the roads in the town due to a report that some Fulani herdsmen were coming to attack them.
She confirmed that some locals were shooting in a bid to scare the envisaged attackers away and this heightened tension in the town.
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Opalola dismissed the rumoured attack and said “it is not true. The Police have not confirmed their claim but we are on top of the situation. The residents acted on the report of the influx of Fulani herdsmen.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on security, Mrs Abiodun Ige said police have gone round and they didn’t see anything like invasion but people were just apprehensive and on defensive mood.
“Our people should be calm if there is any observation or any strange movement noticed, they should quickly call the attention of security agencies for prompt action,” Ige said.
She assured the people of the state of safety saying the security agencies were on top of every situation.
