The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended at least nine suspects over the murder of a septuagenarian and the destruction of properties valued at millions of naira in a local community.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso.
The statement was released to DAILY POST on Thursday morning.
In the statement, Osifeso disclosed that operatives of the command apprehended nine suspects linked to the attack on Aagba community in Surulere Local Government Area of the state.
He further noted that the incident, which resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman, Madam Rachael Bamidele, caused residents of the village to flee their homes.
He stated that the assault was reportedly carried out by individuals from a neighbouring village due to a prolonged land-related conflict.
Osifeso emphasized that the incident, which involved arson, looting, and property destruction, seemed to have been deliberate and well-coordinated, with the aim of targeting those engaged in a civil case regarding the contested land.
He stated that the incident took place on April 5 of this year.
Osifeso further revealed that the command’s investigation led to the arrest of 33-year-old Salawudeen Ismaila, a native of the nearby Oko community, along with eight other suspects.
He said, “The Oyo State Police Command has responded to the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba Community, Surulere Local Government Area.
“The attack resulted in nine houses being razed and properties worth millions of Naira being looted or destroyed.
“The burning, looting, and destruction of properties appear to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.
“Also a septuagenarian, one Madam Rachael Bamidele, tragically died in the aftermath of the attack.
“The incident, which forced villagers to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighboring community over a long-standing dispute over land.
“Following the recent developments, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Johnson O. Adenola, swiftly deployed the Command’s specialized intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety.
“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 Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its zero-tolerance towards all acts or brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threaten the peace and tranquility of residents of the state.
“Furthermore, the Command also frowns at any act of self-help by individuals or groups in ventilating their grievances assuring law abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, by employing robust measures to address violations of law and order”.
