Gunmen Kill Police Inspector in Oyo State Ambush, Steal AK-47

Gunmen have killed a police inspector during a deadly ambush on a police patrol team in Oyo State, deepening concerns over the rising wave of armed attacks targeting security personnel in the state. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Budo Masalasi Border Post, where between 10 and 15 armed men attacked officers on routine patrol.

The assault claimed the life of Inspector Aliu Oluwole, who was reportedly shot while bravely repelling the attackers.

Confirming the attack, the Oyo State Police Command said the patrol team was led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Entonu Shaibu.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka disclosed that the gunmen fled with the late inspector’s AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, adding that preliminary findings suggest some of the attackers sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange. The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has since ordered an immediate manhunt and a comprehensive investigation.

The attack comes amid a troubling pattern of recurring violent attacks in Oyo State. Just a week earlier, gunmen stormed Aqua Triton Company, killing another police officer and abducting a Chinese expatriate. Earlier in January, five officers of the National Forest Rangers were also killed in a separate attack in Ikoyi-Ile.

While no suspects have been arrested in these incidents, police authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds, as security operations intensify across the state.