We Killed Forest Rangers in Oyo to Rescue Arrested Fulani Herders — Suspect
- Says his share of ransom from each kidnap operation was N10,000
One of the seven suspects arrested by the Oyo State Police Command over the deadly attack on forest rangers at the Old Oyo National Park, Abubakar Abdullahi, has revealed that the assault was carried out to rescue three Fulani herders earlier arrested by forest officials.
The suspect disclosed that he was recruited for the operation by one Mohammed Dangi, whom he described as the second-in-command of the bandit gang, with explicit instructions to kill forest rangers at the park office in Oloka Village.
Recall that five forest rangers were killed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, when armed assailants stormed the National Forest Rangers’ office at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka Village, Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers, reportedly about 10 in number and armed with sophisticated firearms, invaded the facility at about 9:00 p.m. and launched a deadly assault, leaving five rangers dead.
Speaking during an interview, Abubakar, a Fulani man who claimed Yahuri in Kebbi State as his place of origin but said he resides in B’Olorunduro, Ogbomoso, admitted that he was a cattle herder who also engaged in kidnapping activities alongside members of the gang.
“I don’t know how long I have been in B’Olorunduro. I herded cows from Bode Saadu in Kwara State,” he said.
Explaining what led to the attack, Abubakar stated, “It was Mohammed Dangi who invited me. He instructed me and others to kill everyone we saw at the park office. The reason he gave was that three Fulani herders had been arrested.”
“He told us to free our men after killing the forest rangers. After killing them, we released our people and took them away. I did not know when the plan was first discussed; I only joined the gang on the day of the attack,” he added.
On how the gang accessed the heavily forested area undetected, Abubakar revealed, “We were 10 in number. We used five motorcycles and carried five AK-47 rifles. Two people rode on each motorcycle. We also had explosives. We parked the motorcycles far away and trekked quietly to the park office.”
He identified one Bello, who is currently at large, as the leader of the gang, saying Mohammed merely executed Bello’s instructions.
“Bello and I once lived together in Bode Saadu, but I don’t know his current location. He did not come with us to Oloka Village. He only gave the AK-47 rifles to Mohammed. Bello usually joined us during kidnap operations,” he said.
Abubakar said he had been involved in kidnapping for a long time but could not recall exactly when he started. He admitted participating in kidnapping operations in Oloka Village and Bode Saadu.
“Whenever I was called for a kidnap operation, I always went,” he stated.
Despite the violent activities, the suspect claimed his share of ransom from each kidnapping operation was N10,000, insisting he never received more.
“When asked to speak the truth, I swear by Allah, I have never received more than N10,000,” he said.
A security source corroborated his claim, explaining that foot soldiers in kidnapping, banditry, and terrorist groups are often severely exploited by their leaders.
“From our investigations, even when cattle are rustled, one cow may be shared by five people, and they are still forced to sell it back to the leader at a ridiculously low price, sometimes as low as N40,000,” the source said.
“They dare not protest. The leaders often do not pay cash; they instruct them to collect goods instead and direct traders to the leader for payment. It is a form of slavery they submit themselves to,” the source added.
On how he learned to operate an AK-47 rifle, Abubakar said: “I was trained by Mohammed Dangi. I know how to use the rifle very well.”
Asked whether kidnap victims were killed when ransom could not be paid, he said such decisions were taken solely by the gang leaders.
“It is not my wish to kidnap people. Mohammed is my relative. I grew up with him, and he forced me into the gang,” he claimed.
Confirming developments, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said operatives of the Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to track down remaining suspects and bring all those involved to justice.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
