Police Launch Manhunt for Abiola’s Widow in Wake of Yoruba Nation Agitators Attack Attack.
The Nigerian police have initiated a widespread manhunt for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected of sponsoring the recent invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by Yoruba Nation agitators.
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The move comes amidst escalating tensions following the violent incident, with additional backers of the agitators now under security radar.
The search for Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, a renowned business mogul and politician, was prompted by a viral video where she claimed responsibility for orchestrating the disturbances that shook the governments of the six Southwest states.
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The agitators, armed with guns and other weapons and clad in military camouflage, stormed the Oyo State House of Assembly complex within the secretariat premises on Saturday morning, hoisting their flag and attempting to breach the security of the governor’s office.
However, they were met with resistance from security operatives, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals.
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While the police have refrained from explicitly naming Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged her leadership role in a Yoruba Nation agitators’ group.
This acknowledgment was reinforced by statements from Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of another Yoruba group, and a subsequent viral video by Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola asserting her leadership of the agitating faction.
Detailing the events of the invasion, Oyo State Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat described the attackers’ actions as criminal, unpatriotic, and tantamount to treasonable felony and terrorism. He emphasized the police’s swift response in containing the situation and recovering weapons and other incriminating items from the assailants.
Despite the arrests and police actions, some of the suspects remained unrepentant, justifying their actions as lawful and expressing grievances against the Nigerian government. However, authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding national unity and ensuring the security of citizens.
Meanwhile, security agencies in neighboring Ondo State have been placed on red alert to prevent any similar incursions, emphasizing the need for vigilance and professionalism in maintaining law and order.
In response to the incident, the Southwest Caucus of the House of Representatives condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law in addressing grievances and fostering national unity.
As the search for Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola continues and investigations unfold, stakeholders are calling for calm and restraint, emphasizing the imperative of dialogue and lawful means in addressing grievances and promoting peace and stability in the region.
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