We Have Foiled, Arrested Attackers Of Ibadan Radio Station - Police

The Oyo State Police Command has revealed that it has foiled a daring early morning attack on a popular radio station in Ibadan.

AllNews Nigeria had reported that the premises of Radio Nigeria Amuludun 99.1FM, Moniya, Ibadan, was attacked and hijacked by Yoruba Nation agitators early on Sunday.

The General Manager of the station, Stephen Agbaje relating with journalists after the attack also stated that the station was hijacked during the attack.

In a press statement by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams and signed by Osifeso Adewale, the Police Command revealed that it has arrested five suspected members of the attacking band.

Adebowale gave their names as; 30 year old Noah Atoyebi, male, 25 year old Gbenga Adeleke, male, 35 year old Abdulganiyu Mustafa Kolawole, male, 45 year old Fajola Elijah, male and a lone female, Bashiru Kehinde.

The Oyo Police boss also reiterated that the command remained unwavering and committed to the statutory constitutional requirements of protecting lives and property and as well preserving law in the state.

He assured that the security architecture of the State, just like in other Commands has been beefed-up to comprehensively tackle any evolving or emerging security challenge which could pose a threat to the nation's stability before, during and after the May 29, 2023 inauguration.

"Preliminary Investigations about today's incident revealed that today being Sunday 28/05/2023 at about 0600hrs the valiant and eagle-eyed Operatives of the Command while on intelligence driven patrols intercepted a distress call about some members of a group driven by a separatist agenda who had forcefully hijacked a Radio Broadcast Station, Amuludun 99.1 FM located around Moniya,Ibadan with the intent to declare liberation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Thankfully, no personnel from the establishment or any other persons were hurt as the Command responded swiftly in a well coordinated rescue operation.

"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.

"So also, Parents, guardians and leaders wielding various degrees of influence are advised to prevail on their children, wards and proteges against being used to distrupt tomorrow's event as heavy sanctions await defaulters and other unpatriotic elements sharing the same sinister motives.

"This far, the following Suspects in posession of various criminal charms were arrested in connection with the incident.

"They include; Noah Atoyebi 'M' 30yrs, Gbenga Adeleke 'M' 25yrs, Abdulganiyu Mustafa Kolawole 'M' 35yrs, Bashiru Kehinde O. 'F', Fajola Elija 'M' 45yrs.

"The Oyo State Police Command enjoins residents to be generous with information and cooporate with the Command in a bid to rid the State off Criminal elements with the intent to propagate their separatist agenda.

"In cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Trust Fund), and Oyo State Police Command Emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614."