Nine people have been taken into custody by the Oyo State Police Command in relation to a violent land dispute in the state’s Aagba village, Surulere Local Government Area, that claimed the life of a septuagenarian named Rachael Bamidele.
Additionally, nine houses were set ablaze and properties worth millions of naira were looted during the April 5 incident.
Adewale Osifeso, the state’s police spokesperson, said in a statement on Thursday that the violence was reportedly carried out by inhabitants of a neighbouring village due to a long-standing land dispute.
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According to Osifeso, the burning, looting, and destruction of property appear to have been planned and executed deliberately, with a focus on those involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.
Residents of the community have been forced to leave due to the incident, according to Osifeso.
He explained that the command acted swiftly in response to the April 5 attack on the community, adding that following the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, deployed specialised intelligence and tactical teams, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to maintain public safety.
He stated, “This prompt response brought about a restoration of normalcy, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“Investigations led to the apprehension of one Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects, as well as the recovery of three unregistered Boxer motorcycles.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other known suspects who remain at large. The indicted suspects will soon appear in court.
“The state command reaffirms its zero tolerance towards all acts of brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threatens the peace and tranquillity of residents of the state.”
The command also issued a warning against taking the law into one’s own hands when resolving disputes.
