Four suspects arrested after violence in Oyo community

The Oyo State Police Command said on Thursday that they have arrested four suspects linked to violence in the Ojoo community. This community is located in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

Olayinka Ayanlade, the state Police Public Relations Officer, shared this information. He noted that the suspects are currently at the state Criminal Investigation Department in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The police condemned the act of jungle justice. They warned the public against taking the law into their own hands in any situation.

While the police recognize that citizens have the right to report crimes and help law enforcement, they stressed that suspects should always be given to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.

The statement said, “Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, where a thorough investigation has started to find out what happened during the attempted robbery, the mob action, the public disturbance, and all related criminal activities.

“The command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice and warns members of the public against taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances. While acknowledging the right of citizens to report crimes and assist law enforcement, it emphasizes that suspects should always be handed over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution,” the statement added.

The police urged residents to stay calm, peaceful, and follow the law. Community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were encouraged not to let criminals use this unfortunate event to cause ethnic or communal conflicts.

The command also promised that they have put in place enough security measures in the affected area and other key locations in the city to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

“All persons found guilty in connection with the incident will face the full weight of the law,” the command assured.

According to PUNCH Metro, about four people were reportedly killed. Others suffered various injuries when wheelbarrow pushers and some residents clashed on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. This fight started over the killing of a Point of Sale operator in the Ojoo community.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has called for calm. They assured residents that those involved in the crisis will be brought to justice.