IBADAN — Chilling details have emerged from the interrogation of Abubakar Abdullahi, one of the seven suspects arrested for the brutal January 6 massacre of five forest rangers at the Old Oyo National Park. In a cold admission, the suspect revealed that the operation was a calculated “rescue mission” aimed at liberating three detained Fulani herders.
The attack, which occurred at the National Park Service office in Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area, left five officers dead, one burned beyond recognition, and several high-grade firearms stolen.
A “Rescue” Turned Bloodbath
Abubakar, a youthful herder originally from Kebbi State but based in Ogbomoso, told investigators that the hit was coordinated by his relative, Mohammed Dangi, under the ultimate command of a fugitive kingpin known as “Bello.”
”Mohammed Dangi called me and ordered us to kill everyone we encountered at the park office,” Abubakar confessed. “He said three herders were being held, and we had to eliminate the rangers to free our people. We did exactly that.”
The gang of ten reportedly infiltrated the remote forest location under the cover of night, arriving on five motorcycles. Armed with five AK-47 rifles and explosives, they bypassed the dense bush to launch a surprise assault on the unsuspecting rangers at approximately 9:00 PM.
The Anatomy of an Insurgent Cell
Despite his slight build, Abubakar admitted to being an expert marksman, trained in the use of AK-47s by Dangi. His testimony paints a grim picture of the “slavery” and exploitation within these criminal syndicates.
Despite participating in multiple kidnappings across Oyo and Kwara states, Abubakar claimed he was paid a pittance for his roles.
- The Ransom Paradox: While kidnapping gangs extort millions, Abubakar swore by Allah that his share never exceeded N10,000.
- Systemic Exploitation: Security sources confirm that junior members of these bandit groups are often kept in a state of “indentured servitude,” where leaders withhold cash and force subordinates to sell stolen assets back to them at a fraction of their value.
Police Crackdown and Ongoing Hunt
The Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner Femi Haruna, has successfully apprehended seven key players in the massacre. Alongside Dangi and Abubakar, those in custody include:
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- Sheu Usman
- Toro Malami
- Usman Alhaji Umaru
- Laolo Muhammadu
- Usman Alhaji Isah
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the Monitoring Unit is currently combing the borders of Kwara and Oyo states to track down “Bello” and the remaining three fugitives.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of forest personnel who are increasingly targeted by heavily armed bandits using the National Parks as transit corridors for kidnapping and cattle rustling.
