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.
In addition, nine homes were set on fire and properties valued at millions of naira were looted during the April 5 incident.
Police spokesperson in the state, Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statement on Thursday that the violence was reportedly carried out by residents of a neighbouring community over a long-standing land dispute.
Osifeso said the burning, looting and destruction of property appear to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.
Osifeso stated that the incident has forced occupants to desert the village.
The state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, dispatched the command’s specialised intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety after the attack on April 5 at the community, he explained.
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 warned against self-help in the resolution of disputes.
