Police operatives in Oyo State are looking for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola and other alleged sponsors of the Yoruba Nation agitators who invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, one of the widows of late Chief Moshood Abiola, was identified through a broadcast video where she claimed responsibility for some violent incidents in the six Southwest states of Nigeria.
News Central reported that some agitators, armed with dangerous weapons, attempted to breach security at the state assembly and Governor’s office.
Police rounded up 21 suspects and recovered arms and ammunition, including other incriminating items from various locations. The suspects were paraded before the press on Monday, April 15.
Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adebola Hamzat, labelled the invasion as treason and terrorism.
“At about 9:15 a.m., the hoodlums, later known as Yoruba Nation Agitation Group, were trailed to the State Secretariat and the premises of the Governor’s Office.
“They hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba’, the Police boss explained.
The arrested suspects, according to Police, confessed names of their alleged sponsors.
The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed Onitiri-Abiola’s involvement in separatist activities.
“The woman has been there. She was there even during the time of the late Bashorun Kashimawo Abiola.
“She has spoken out at one time or another. This confirms the proliferation of separatist groups I talked about.
“Some of these people read the United Nations Conventions Charter wrongly and everyone wants to take advantage of such an act,” he said.
News Central learnt that Security agencies in Ondo State are on red alert to prevent similar incidents.
The Southwest Caucus of the House of Representatives have also condemned the invasion, urging peaceful resolution of grievances.