The Oyo State Police Command has arrested five Yoruba Nation agitators in connection with an attempt to take over a Federal Government-owned radio station in Ibaban, the Oyo State capital.
Some of the suspected tribalist elements, who attacked the Radio Nigeria, Amuludun 99.1FM, around 6pm on Sunday and are now in police custody, include Noah Atoyebi ‘male’ 30 years, Gbenga Adeleke ‘male’ 25 years, Abdulganiyu Kolawole ‘male’ 35 years, Bashiru Kehinde O. ‘female’, and Fajola Elija ‘m’ 45 years.
According to a media report, the suspects were said to have seized the studio, went on air to declare Yoruba Nation, just as members of staff of the station scampered to safety when the attackers allegedly stormed the station with charms.
In a statement after a briefing by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams, the command noted that the police will protect lives and property as well as preserve law and order even as the state and nation gear up towards the the inauguration ceremony for elected leaders on May 29, 2023.
The police said no personnel of the radio station was injured.
Williams said, “I have personally detailed an investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to demystify circumstances around the incident and as well expand the network of arrests through thorough, painstaking intelligence driven investigation.
“While declaring this act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of terrorism which would be meted with adequate sanctions under the laws of the land, I assure good citizens of the State that the Security architecture of the Command in concert with relevant Sister Agencies has been strategically modified for optimum effectiveness not only for tomorrow’s epoch making ceremony but beyond.”
