- Residents Desert Oyo Village After Reported Gunfire Near Old Oyo Forest Reserve
Residents of Alaguntan Village in Igbope, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly fled their homes following reports of sporadic gunshots in the area, sparking panic in the border community.
The community, which shares a boundary with the Old Oyo National Park, was thrown into confusion after residents allegedly heard repeated gunfire within and around the village.
This publication understands that the incident triggered panic, forcing residents to abandon their homes as they moved to neighbouring communities for safety. Videos obtained showed residents fleeing with their belongings amid fears of a possible attack.
However, details surrounding the incident remain unclear at the time of filing this report, as authorities are yet to confirm any casualties or abductions.
When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately confirm the incident.
“I can’t confirm that to you right now,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forest reserves have in recent months become a major security concern in Oyo State following a series of violent incidents linked to armed groups operating within the vast forest zone.
In January 2026, suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on personnel of the National Park Service in the Oloka axis of the park, killing five forest guards. Since then, security operations have led to the arrest of several suspects allegedly connected to the attack.
More recently, the expansive forest reserve has also been linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, with reports that abducted schoolchildren and teachers from May 2026 attacks were taken into the forest for concealment while negotiations were ongoing.
Security agencies have since intensified surveillance and joint operations in and around the park, as authorities continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks believed to be exploiting the forest terrain for cover.
