By Taiwo Scholastica
The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the August 24 attack on police officers in Ikire, where two civilians were killed and three policemen sustained gunshot wounds.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Osogbo, noting that the arrests followed credible intelligence and technical analysis by command operatives.
The incident occurred when the Divisional Police Officer of Ikire and his team responded to a distress call at the Naira and Kobo area of the town.
According to the Commissioner, the officers were ambushed by about 30 armed hoodlums who forcefully seized an AK-47 rifle from one of the policemen.
He explained that one of the suspects, identified as Ayewo, allegedly used the snatched rifle to fire indiscriminately, hitting three police officers and two passers-by.
The two civilians died from their injuries, while the wounded police officers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Zungura said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 26, following investigations to identify those involved in the attack.
The arrested suspects were identified as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20. A cutlass was also recovered from them.
The Commissioner noted that during preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to being political thugs loyal to a faction led by Ayewo, whose surname remains unknown.
He stated, “During preliminary interrogation, they all confessed to being political thugs belonging to a faction headed by one Ayewo, surname unknown. It was Ayewo who shot the snatched AK-47 rifle that struck the victims.”
According to Zungura, police operatives are actively pursuing Ayewo and other members of the gang.
“The Command assures members of the public that the investigation is ongoing, and every individual found to have participated in or contributed to this crime will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The CP commended the operatives for their professionalism, dedication, and effective use of intelligence, while urging residents to support the police with actionable information to help arrest the remaining suspects and recover the stolen firearm.