In a swift security operation, the Oyo State Police Command has successfully apprehended five individuals suspected of being Yoruba Nation agitators after they hijacked a radio station in Ibadan, the state capital. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 28, 2023, when the separatists took control of Amuludun 99.1 FM, owned by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The suspects stormed the radio station armed with various forms of charms, proclaiming slogans such as
Oodua Nation has come to stay,” “Yoruba no longer under the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” and “The United Nations will soon declare the Oodua Nation,” among other chants.
The station’s General Manager, Mr. Stephen Agbaje, confirmed the incident, stating that a group of agitators forcibly took over the station during the night. However, security agents responded swiftly to control the situation and made several arrests.
The Oyo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Adewale Osifeso, paraded the suspects, disclosing that the command intercepted them following a distress call. The intention of the apprehended individuals, identified as Noah Atoyebi, Gbenga Adeleke, Abdulganiyu Mustafa Kolawole, Bashiru Kehinde O., and Fajola Elija, was to declare liberation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fortunately, the well-coordinated rescue operation conducted by the police prevented any harm from being inflicted upon the radio station’s personnel or anyone else.
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The command condemned the incident as a criminal act, unpatriotic behaviour, and clear terrorism, asserting that the laws of the land would address it. Additionally, the police assured the public of enhanced security measures to effectively tackle emerging challenges, not only for the upcoming inauguration but also for the future.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department will lead an investigative team to uncover the circumstances of the incident. Furthermore, the police stressed the role of parents and influential leaders in discouraging their children and followers from participating in disruptive activities during the forthcoming event, warning of severe consequences for any offenders.
The security forces took the arrested suspects with various criminal charms into custody for further investigation. The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to cooperate and provide information to eliminate individuals with separatist agendas from the state.
Residents received advice to utilize the emergency control room numbers provided by the Oyo State Security Trust Fund and the Oyo State Police Command in case of emergencies.
