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Suspected bandits have attacked the base of the Joint Security Taskforce, code-named Operation Burst, along the Igbeti axis of Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Tribune reported that the attack occurred on Sunday when the suspects allegedly stormed the security base in large numbers and opened fire on personnel stationed there.

A security patrol van was reportedly set ablaze during the attack, while a block within the security base was also allegedly destroyed by fire.

However, it could not be immediately confirmed whether the attackers succeeded in carting away any arms and ammunition from the facility.

According to Tribune, the attackers allegedly attempted to overrun the security post, kill the personnel and seize their weapons.

“Preliminary inquiries revealed that the bandits allegedly stormed the base in large numbers and opened fire on security personnel with what was described as powerful weapons,” a source said.

“The attackers were also suspected of attempting to overrun the security post, kill the personnel stationed there and cart away their weapons.”

The attack was reportedly repelled after the command mobilised personnel from sister security agencies to reinforce those at the base.

The attackers subsequently fled the scene, according to sources.

Another source from the Oorelope Security Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the attackers allegedly set fire to a block within the security base and a patrol van, resulting in the destruction of both facilities.

The source said further details would be made available as investigations and security operations continued.

The Joint Security Taskforce has reportedly intensified operations in the area in an effort to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

No casualty was recorded in the incident, according to the command.

A source from one of the sister security agencies, who also requested anonymity, confirmed the attack.

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The Ondo State Police Command has stepped up security around schools across the state ahead of the commencement of the new academic session, deploying specialised personnel to protect students and staff from possible threats.

The command said its School Protection Squad had been positioned in strategic locations across the state to monitor schools and respond quickly to security incidents.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu.

Jimoh said the command had equally increased patrols and police visibility around schools, while intelligence-driven operations would be sustained in schools and other sensitive areas to frustrate criminal activities.

He said, “The Command wishes to assure parents, guardians, students, teachers and school proprietors of adequate security as schools resume for the new academic session.”

The police spokesperson urged school authorities to immediately alert security agencies whenever they noticed suspicious individuals or activities around their premises, stressing that timely information would help prevent possible crimes.

The command also advised parents to educate their children on personal safety, while students were warned against using isolated routes, accepting offers from strangers or ignoring suspicious behaviour.

“The Command assures members of the public that police personnel will remain vigilant and responsive throughout the academic session.

The cooperation and support of all stakeholders are solicited through the provision of timely and credible information that could assist the Police in preventing and tackling crime,” the statement added.

The command urged residents requiring urgent police intervention to contact its control room on 0703 431 3903, assuring the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the academic session.

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Plateau-based cleric, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has explained why he withdrew his support for former Anambra State governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Buba said his decision was largely influenced by what he described as Obi’s lack of the courage required of a person seeking to lead Nigeria, adding that he had personally discussed some of his concerns with the former governor.

The cleric made his position known during an appearance on the ‘Mic On’ podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye on Saturday.

El-Buba, who previously supported Obi’s political ambition, disclosed that he had now shifted his backing to the Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo.

While describing Obi as a good person, the cleric said personal qualities expected of a national leader went beyond being a decent individual.

According to him, a leader must be prepared to confront difficult situations and take difficult decisions on behalf of the people, particularly when the country is facing serious challenges.

He said, “Peter Obi is a nice man. He is not a bad man. But there are certain things I saw and had discussed with him personally. When a leader loses courage, the first instrument of a leader in the midst of all trials is courage to take shots on behalf of the followers. When a leader loses that one thing, you lose me.”

El-Buba further faulted Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party and subsequently seek another political platform, saying the former governor should not have abandoned the party.

“I don’t think Obi is courageous. That’s an aspect of his weakness. Peter Obi has no business leaving LP and running here and there,” the cleric added.