Five dead as gunmen attack National Park Service Office in Oyo

By Oluseye Ojo

A deadly attack shook the National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026, which left at least five personnel dead.

The assault, which occurred around 9:00 p.m., has prompted a swift response from security agencies, with the Oyo State Police Command deploying tactical teams, Mobile Police Force, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) units to the scene.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, and other security chiefs were en route to the location to assess the situation and coordinate further action.

The bodies of the victims are yet to be recovered, believed to be hidden within the surrounding forest area .

“Yes there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the national park.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command and other service commanders are currently on their way to the location.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, has deployed operatives from the tactical teams, Mobile Police Force of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.”

“The attack has raised concerns about security in the region, particularly given the park’s history of being a hideout for bandits and kidnappers,” Olayinka stated.

Local communities have long expressed fears about the presence of armed groups in the area.

The Oyo State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise the area, recover the bodies, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

As gathered, residents are anxiously awaiting updates on the situation, with security presence heightened in Orire Local Government Area and its environs.