OPC leader alleges Police detainment of operatives for arresting Fulani warlord, Wakili

By Ayo Fadimu

The leader of the Oodua People’s Congress who led the operation to arrest the notorious Fulani warlord Iskilu Wakili in the Ayete area of Ibarapaland in Oyo State on Sunday had claimed that the men of Nigeria Police Force in the Oyo State detained three OPC operatives for arresting Wakili.

While speaking to journalists, OPC sector Commander, Adedeji Oluwole said he was surprised that police detained three of his men for arresting Wakili, who is said to be the leader of the herdsmen in Ayete worked with dozens of herders who are his disciples. “Together with his battalion, they allegedly seized hectares of farmlands at Ayete, raped the women in the rustic town, and kidnapped their rich men for ransom.”

Oluwole, the Federal Capital Territory OPC coordinator, who is also an indigene of Igboora, said he relocated four months ago to Ayete to bring Wakili to book after security agencies failed to arrest him.

The OPC leader said it took over four days of continued operations and surveillance to nab Wakili and three of his accomplices.

According to Oluwole, more than 10 OPC operatives went on the mission. He said Wakili’s men shot fiercely at the OPC operatives before they were eventually nabbed.

He, however, expressed shock that the police detained three of his men after they handed over Wakili.

However, Oyo State Police command insisted that OPC operatives that invaded Wakili’s residence committed murder and arson and are being interrogated by the command.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olugbenga Fadeyi, the OPC operatives set ablaze Wakili’s house and a woman was burnt in the fire.

The Police confirmed that three of the OPC operatives are being interrogated over their involvement in the incident while Wakili, had been moved to hospital due to his frail appearance and state of health