Osun Police Arrest Four Suspected Political Thugs Over Ikire Attack

By Ruth Oshin, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspected political thugs in connection with an attack in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, which left three policemen injured and two civilians dead.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, disclosed this on Thursday while parading the suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

According to Zungura, the attack occurred on August 24 around the Naira and Kobo area of Ikire when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his men responded to a distress call.

He explained that the attackers overpowered the police operatives and snatched an AK-47 rifle from one of the officers.

The Commissioner said a suspected member of the group, identified as Ayewo, allegedly took possession of the rifle and opened fire indiscriminately.

He said the gunfire hit three policemen, who sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Zungura added that two civilians were also hit during the attack and later died from their injuries.

The Commissioner identified the arrested suspects as Sikiru Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted to being political thugs and members of a faction led by Ayewo.

According to him, Ayewo remains at large and is currently being pursued by the police.

Zungura assured residents that the command would sustain its investigation until all those connected with the attack were arrested and brought to justice.

He warned that anyone found to have participated in or contributed to the incident would face the full weight of the law.

The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the police in apprehending Ayewo and other suspects still at large.

He commended the police operatives involved in the investigation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Osun State.