Residents of Alaguntan Village in Igbope, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly abandoned their homes and sought refuge in neighbouring communities following a series of gunshots allegedly heard within and around the settlement, heightening fears of insecurity in the border community.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, threw the agrarian community into panic as villagers reportedly fled with their families and belongings amid fears of a possible attack. Alaguntan, located near the expansive Old Oyo forest corridor and sharing proximity with the Old Oyo National Park, has become the latest community to experience security concerns associated with the troubled forest region.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that repeated sounds of gunfire reverberated across the village, creating widespread confusion and forcing residents to seek safety elsewhere. Videos circulating on social media showed scores of villagers hurriedly evacuating their homes, while some were seen carrying personal effects as they moved toward neighbouring settlements.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding the gunfire remained unclear. There were no immediate reports of casualties, abductions, or destruction of property, while security authorities had yet to issue an official statement detailing what transpired. The uncertainty surrounding the incident has further heightened anxiety among residents and stakeholders within the affected area.
When contacted for confirmation, the Oyo State Police Command said it was still gathering information regarding the development. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that he could not immediately verify the reports. His response underscores the challenges often associated with obtaining real-time intelligence from remote communities located near forest reserves where security threats have become increasingly difficult to monitor.
The latest scare has renewed concerns over the security situation around the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forest reserves, which have in recent months emerged as hotspots for criminal activities. Security analysts and community leaders have repeatedly warned that the vast and difficult-to-access terrain provides cover for armed groups operating across state boundaries.
In January 2026, suspected bandits attacked personnel of the National Park Service in the Oloka axis of the park, killing five forest guards in one of the deadliest assaults recorded within the reserve. The attack prompted intensified security operations, leading to the arrest of several suspects believed to be linked to the incident. Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding the presence of criminal elements within the forest ecosystem.
The reserve has also been associated with a series of kidnapping incidents across parts of Oyo State. Investigations into recent abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers revealed that some victims were allegedly held within sections of the forest while negotiations for their release were ongoing. These developments have contributed to growing fears among residents of communities situated along the forest belt.
In response to the rising security threats, law enforcement agencies and other security formations have continued to strengthen surveillance and joint operations around the national park and surrounding forests. Authorities say the objective is to dismantle criminal networks exploiting the dense vegetation and difficult terrain as operational hideouts.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents have called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify patrols, establish more security outposts and provide reassurance to affected communities. Many villagers expressed fears that prolonged displacement could disrupt farming activities and worsen socio-economic conditions in the area if normalcy is not restored quickly.
As investigations continue, residents remain hopeful that security agencies will swiftly ascertain the source of the reported gunfire and implement measures to prevent further panic. The incident serves as another reminder of the growing security challenges confronting rural communities situated around major forest reserves in Oyo State and the urgent need for sustained, coordinated intervention.
