The Nigeria Police Force have initiated a search for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected to be a sponsor of the recent invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators.
Mrs Onitiri-Abiola, the widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, allegedly claimed responsibility for the violence in a viral video.
The agitators, wielding weapons and dressed in military camouflage, stormed the Oyo State House of Assembly complex, attempting to breach security before being repelled by operatives.
Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat described the invasion as a treasonable felony and terrorism, promising appropriate sanctions.
While not directly naming Mrs Onitiri-Abiola, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged her leadership role among the agitators.
During the invasion, the agitators hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.”
Police reinforcements suppressed the violence, resulting in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.
Commissioner Hamzat emphasized Nigeria’s unity and urged parents and leaders to dissuade individuals from promoting anarchy.
He confirmed ongoing investigations into the incident, including efforts to uncover sponsors.
Explaining how it happened on Saturday, the police chief said: “At about 8:55 a.m., information was received that some men, dressed in military-like camouflage and armed with pump action semi-automatic rifles, were sighted on motorcycles around Olomi and moving into Ibadan.
“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’.
“With police reinforcement, the miscreants were warned to disperse. The agitators turned violent and opened fire on the police and a detachment of Amotekun Corps present.”
