The Oyo State Government has urged residents and traditional rulers in communities around the Old Oyo National Park forest reserves to collaborate with security agencies and the government to prevent bandits from taking over the area.

The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, made the call on Monday during an assessment tour of the Operation Burst base along the Igbeti-Igboho Road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area, which was attacked by suspected bandits in the early hours of Sunday.

Lawal said the attack, which occurred at about 5:00 a.m., was repelled by personnel of Operation Burst stationed at the base.

He said no lives were lost during the attack, although the security post and an operational vehicle were set ablaze.

The Deputy Governor said the state government would provide the necessary support to rebuild and fortify the security post, while measures would also be taken to improve security visibility around the area and prevent future attacks.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

Lawal also warned individuals harbouring or aiding criminal elements in the area that they would face the full weight of the law.

He appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to work closely with security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remained critical to preventing criminal elements from establishing footholds in the forest reserves.

The Deputy Governor also cautioned individuals involved in illegal mining activities within the area to desist, warning that the government would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the security of the state.

The latest attack occurred along the Igbeti-Igboho axis in Olorunsogo Local Government Area, an area adjoining the Old Oyo National Park forest reserves.