The Osun State Police Command on Wednesday revealed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing of a middle-aged man, Sikiru Onaolapo, who was shot dead in a land dispute between the Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu communities in the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, made this known in Osogbo, stating that the arrested suspect is now in their custody.
She assured that thorough investigations would be conducted to bring anyone responsible for the killing to justice.
According to her, “Investigations will uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice.”
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served, and we charge members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as we continue our investigation.”
Opalola, who noted that there is relative peace in the two communities, assured that the Command would restore permanent peace to the troubled areas in the near future.
She revealed that the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, has been holding meetings with both communities to maintain peace, adding that personnel, including tactical team operatives, had been deployed to the communities to prevent further violence.
It will be recalled that Sikiru Onaolapo, from the Olobo compound in Ilobu, was killed on Tuesday, and the Ilobu community accused the Ifon people of being responsible for the killing.
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The youths of Ilobu, who claimed they were now ready for war against the Ifon people over the incident, vowed to retaliate in a brutal manner.
This development is now threatening the relative peace of the communities, as youths from both towns are on high alert for any eventuality.
Speaking on the matter, the Spokesperson for Olobu at the palace, Jagun Olobu, Leke Ogunsola, told newsmen in Osogbo, “Sikiru Onaolapo is the victim from the Olobo compound in Ilobu. He went to his farm at Oke Ekutu this morning and was shot dead. Those close to the scene said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon.”
“The demand from the Ilobu community is that security agents should arrest the suspect and conduct a thorough investigation to unravel the issues surrounding the killing,” he said.
Reacting on behalf of the Ifon community, Prince Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Ifon-Orolu Descendants Union, denied the allegation that an Ifon indigene killed anyone on the disputed land.
“I am confirming to you authoritatively that no Ifon indigene is involved in any shooting, as they claim. The place is part of Olufon’s land, which the State Government acquired to reduce tension between the two communities. They have been the ones fanning the embers of war. They should look inward rather than trying to blackmail Ifon for their loss,” he said.
Meanwhile, all efforts to get the police to comment on the matter proved abortive, as the Command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, could not be reached for comment.
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