The Oyo State Government has warned residents of towns and communities around the Old Oyo National Park against harbouring bandits or providing support for criminal activities in the area.

The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, gave the warning while providing an update on the security situation around the Old Oyo National Park following the recent attack on an Operation Burst facility on the outskirts of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area.

Lawal urged residents of communities from which bandits reportedly approach the area to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.

He warned that harbouring bandits or providing them with support could expose residents and entire communities to danger during security operations.

The deputy governor also raised concerns over illegal mining activities around Boni in Kwara State, close to the Oyo border, urging Oyo indigenes and youths patronising the area for lithium and other solid minerals to desist.

According to him, illegal mining activities could create opportunities for criminals to infiltrate and occupy forests in the area, stressing that the Old Oyo National Park must not be allowed to become a sanctuary for bandits.

Lawal assured that the state government would support efforts to restore facilities affected by the attack, including the accommodation building for security operatives reportedly burnt during the incident.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to strengthening security around communities bordering the national park.

The assurance followed an attack by unknown gunmen who reportedly stormed the Operation Burst camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, setting the camp and operational vehicles ablaze before fleeing the area.

The government called on residents to remain alert and work closely with security agencies to prevent further attacks and protect their communities.

The Oyo State Government has warned residents of towns and communities around the Old Oyo National Park against harbouring bandits or providing support for criminal activities in the area.

The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, gave the warning while providing an update on the security situation around the Old Oyo National Park following the recent attack on an Operation Burst facility on the outskirts of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area.

Lawal urged residents of communities from which bandits reportedly approach the area to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.

He warned that harbouring bandits or providing them with support could expose residents and entire communities to danger during security operations.

The deputy governor also raised concerns over illegal mining activities around Boni in Kwara State, close to the Oyo border, urging Oyo indigenes and youths patronising the area for lithium and other solid minerals to desist.

According to him, illegal mining activities could create opportunities for criminals to infiltrate and occupy forests in the area, stressing that the Old Oyo National Park must not be allowed to become a sanctuary for bandits.

Lawal assured that the state government would support efforts to restore facilities affected by the attack, including the accommodation building for security operatives reportedly burnt during the incident.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to strengthening security around communities bordering the national park.

The assurance followed an attack by unknown gunmen who reportedly stormed the Operation Burst camp on the outskirts of Igbeti, setting the camp and operational vehicles ablaze before fleeing the area.

The government called on residents to remain alert and work closely with security agencies to prevent further attacks and protect their communities.