The Oyo State Government has said five suspected terrorists have been arrested following the attack on a military camp on the outskirts of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area, with no fewer than 120 soldiers deployed to track the fleeing attackers.

The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, disclosed this yesterday when he visited the scene of the attack to assess the situation, assuring residents that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde would not abandon them.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who accompanied the Deputy Governor, Lawal said Makinde had a message for residents of the affected communities: “You will never be abandoned.”

Lawal was conducted round the scene by the Commanding Officer, 81 Battalion, Lt. Col. Innocent Asogwa, who briefed him on the attack and ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

The commander, according to the statement, said no fewer than 120 soldiers had been deployed into the bush in pursuit of the attackers.

He also explained that the fire which destroyed the building and a vehicle during the attack was triggered by grenade launchers used by the terrorists, which escalated the cooking gas cylinders at the premises.

The government said five of the suspected terrorists had been arrested while wearing military uniforms, adding that more arrests were expected.

Addressing concerns over the state’s surveillance aircraft, Lawal said the newly procured aircraft were operational and regularly deployed for random sorties and reconnaissance.

He explained that the aircraft could not remain permanently in the sky but would remain available for security operations and intelligence-gathering whenever required.

The Deputy Governor, who visited the scene alongside some local government chairmen and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, said the state government would continue to support security agencies in protecting residents.

He also announced the establishment of an emergency committee comprising five adjoining local government areas—Olorunsogo, Oriire, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo.

Lawal said the committee would immediately identify the needs of security personnel operating in the affected areas and liaise with the state government to ensure prompt assistance.

“As a responsible government, we will continue to play our part in ensuring that our people are safe,” he said.

He also expressed relief that no casualties were recorded during the attack.

The latest development followed the attack on the military/security installation in the Igbeti axis in the early hours of Sunday, during which the facility and an operational vehicle were reportedly set ablaze.

The government delegation included the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, and others.