Heavily armed bandits dressed in military camouflage have launched consecutive attacks along the Igbeti-Kishi and Igbeti-Igboho axes in Oyo State, leaving one person dead and four others severely injured. The violent siege, which began on Friday, June 12, 2026, and extended into Saturday, has triggered widespread panic across local communities and prompted an emergency security visit by the state’s Deputy Governor.

Friday Ambush Ends in Fatality

The first assault occurred on Friday along the Kishi-Igbeti road. Armed men emerged from the dense forest and opened fire on a passing vehicle.

The vehicle was returning from picking up a Muslim pilgrim who had just completed the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Mr. Kayode, an electricity distribution worker travelling in the vehicle, was shot dead on the spot.

Saturday Highway Ambush Leaves Four Critically Injured

The violence escalated on Saturday afternoon along the Igbope-Igbeti section of the highway.

Bandits wearing military-style uniforms set up an ambush targeting a red Volkswagen Golf saloon car and a commercial passenger bus.

The gunmen opened fire on the vehicles, inflicting serious gunshot wounds on four occupants of the Volkswagen Golf.

Among the critically injured victims were the driver, Alhaji Rafiu Jimoh, and Mr. Jubril Jelili.

The victims managed to escape the scene and drive back to Igboho, where they are currently receiving emergency medical treatment.

Deputy Governor Visits as Residents Cry Out for Help

Following the weekend of violence, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State visited Kishi to assess the worsening security situation in Kishi, Igboho, and surrounding communities.

Local residents are demanding immediate and sustained tactical deployments of the military and police.

Terrified community members stated that the vast terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, located between Kishi and Igbeti, has been completely overtaken by criminal elements who use it as an operational base.

Forest Reserves Become Kidnapping Havens

The situation in the area remains highly critical:Schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area are currently being held hostage deep within the Old Oyo National Park.The vast forest terrain allows bandits to launch highway ambushes and retreat into cover with total impunity.

Government Interventions Overshadowed by Rising Crime

The latest attacks highlight a frustrating gap in local security despite recent counter-terrorism investments by the Oyo State Government.

The state government previously procured a specialized aircraft for aerial surveillance and aggressively recruited personnel into the Amotekun Corps to maintain peace.

The Deputy Governor had also held emergency meetings urging local government council chairmen in the Oke-Ogun zone to collaborate closely with state machinery to frustrate terrorist plots.

Despite these measures, residents lament that incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry continue to surge, leaving commuter routes highly vulnerable.