Tension gripped Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Wednesday after suspected bandits reportedly stormed the Nigerian Immigration Service office in the town and made away with firearms and ammunition. The brazen daylight attack has sparked fresh concerns over the security of government facilities and the safety of personnel across the region.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men arrived in large numbers and overpowered officers on duty. The attackers, said to be heavily armed, allegedly gained entry by force and moved directly to the armory section of the office. Staff and visitors were reportedly ordered to lie on the floor while the operation lasted.
“They came in full force with motorcycles and a Hilux van. They shot into the air to scare people,” a resident who operates a shop opposite the office told reporters. “Nobody could confront them. They went straight to where the guns were kept and packed everything.”
Sources within the Immigration Service confirmed that the bandits carted away rifles, pistols, and boxes of ammunition belonging to the command. The exact number of weapons taken has not been officially disclosed as authorities are still conducting an inventory. No deaths were recorded during the raid, but at least two immigration officers sustained injuries while attempting to resist. They are currently receiving treatment at Bowen University Teaching Hospital.
The Oyo State Police Command said it received a distress call around 11:30 a.m. and dispatched tactical teams to the scene. By the time officers arrived, the assailants had fled the area. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident and stated that a joint operation with the military and other security agencies has been launched to track the suspects.
“This is a direct assault on the state. We will not allow criminals to demoralize our security architecture. All exit routes out of Ogbomoso are under surveillance,” Osifeso said.
The Comptroller of Immigration in Oyo State visited the Ogbomoso office hours after the attack for an on-the-spot assessment. He assured the public that measures are being taken to reinforce all NIS formations in the state and recover the stolen arms.
Residents of Ogbomoso have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as unprecedented. Community leaders are calling for urgent federal intervention, warning that stolen government firearms could be used for further attacks if not recovered quickly.
“GOD HELP US,” one market woman said. “If bandits can enter Immigration office and carry guns like that, then who is safe? Government must act now….Read_More
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