Police in Oyo State have say they have launched an investigation into the attack against Igangan, a community in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
But while residents claimed that no fewer than 20 people were killed during the overnight attack, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, kept mum on the number of lives lost, those injured and the extent of the properties destroyed by the gunmen.
Some residents of the community, however, told newsmen that between 17 and 20 lives were lost in the deadly attack on Igangan.
The police spokesman said, “On Saturday at about 2310hrs, a yet to be ascertained number of unknown assailants invaded Igangan Town with dangerous weapons in a bid to create unrest in the town.
“The unscrupulous elements were however repelled by a combination of Police Operational and tactical assets in concert with local hunters and vigilantes. Normalcy has since returned with an on-the-spot assessment in process.
“Furthermore, the situation is being closely monitored and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. Casualty figure would be known upon the completion of the ongoing comprehensive investigations.”