Bandits K!ll Police Inspector In Oyo State

A police inspector has been confirmed dead following an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Budo Masalasi border post in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to Ireporter Online, the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. on January 24, 2026, when a police patrol team on duty was suddenly confronted by gunmen, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The incident is coming barely days after suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service office in the Oloka community of the same local government area, where five forest rangers were reportedly killed. Security sources disclosed that the attackers, estimated to be between 10 and 15 in number, stormed the border post and opened fire on the police team, prompting officers to respond in defence.

During the confrontation, the inspector was fatally wounded while engaging the assailants. Reports further indicated that the attackers fled the scene with the officer’s AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition. The incident has heightened security concerns in the area, given the recent wave of attacks linked to armed groups.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the officer lost his life in active service while carrying out his duty to protect the public. He stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, has directed an immediate and intensive manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

Ayanlade added that preliminary investigations suggested some of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter. He assured residents that security had been reinforced across the affected communities to forestall further attacks and maintain public safety. The police also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone with gunshot wounds, suspicious medical requests, or unusual behaviour to the nearest police station or relevant security agencies.