The police have launched a manhunt for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected of sponsoring the invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators.
Mrs Onitiri-Abiola, the widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, claimed responsibility for the violence in a viral video.
The agitators, wielding guns and wearing military camouflage, attempted to breach security at the state House of Assembly and the governor’s office.
Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat described the invasion as a treasonable felony and terrorism, pledging sanctions.
Though not explicitly named by the police, the state’s Special Adviser on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni, hinted at Mrs Onitiri-Abiola’s involvement.
Professor Banji Akintoye also indirectly implicated her Yoruba group in the incident. Mrs Onitiri-Abiola’s video confession further implicated her.
The police responded to the invasion, recovering weapons and arresting 21 suspects. Hamzat emphasized Nigeria’s unity and warned against promoting anarchy.
He urged parents and leaders to discourage youth involvement in such activities. The arrested suspects are cooperating, divulging the names of their sponsors, and incriminating items have been recovered. While casualties were limited to injuries, the police are investigating further.
