Oyo secretariat invasion: We’ll prevent reoccurrence – GOC

By David Adeoye

Ibadan, April 15, 2024

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army,  Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, says the Army will prevent a reoccurrence of Saturday’s invasion of the Oyo State Secretariat by Yoruba Nation separatists.

Onubogu gave the assurance on Monday when he visited Gov. Seyi Makinde in his office in Ibadan.

The GOC said that the action of “self-acclaimed irridentists” was unfortunate and assured that the Army had taken note of the security gaps that prompted the invasion.

He said that the Army would ensure inter-agency cooperation to guarantee security in the the South West zone.

“This incident is unfortunate as it shows that despite the peace that exists in Oyo State, there are still sons and daughters of the South-West Nigeria, who are bent on challenging Oyo State, the entire South-West as well as Nigeria as a whole.

“I have taken note of some of the gaps that preceded this incident and I want to assure you that under my watch, we will play our part to ensure that such a situation does not arise again.

“As our adversaries have made their intentions known, it will be foolhardy for us not to refocus and ensure the people of Oyo remain safe,” he said.

Onubogu added that the Army would conduct constant operations in the Old National Park and parts of Oke-Ogun area of the state that have witnessed kidnappings, illegal mining and other acts of criminality.

Responding, Makinde commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for keeping the peace in the state.

He particularly hailed their ability to bring the Oodua nation separatists to their knees in no time on Saturday.

The governor said that the swift and effective response was due to the robust security system in the state, which was promptly activated to deal with the armed separatists.

The governor called on the new GOC to sustain the cordial relationship between the Division, government and the people.

He assured that the government would spare no expenses in securing the state and supporting the Army and other security agencies to discharge their responsibility more effectively.