Dare Babalola
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects allegedly involved in the violent disruption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals on February 18.
In a statement released to journalists on Saturday in Akure, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests followed a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
The incident occurred in Idanre, within Idanre Local Government Area of the state.
Jimoh explained that the operation reflects the command’s determination to identify and prosecute everyone involved in the attack.
“The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, injuries to three people, and the destruction of property.
“This prompted the CP to immediately direct an intensive intelligence-driven manhunt to track down all individuals connected to the violence.
“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Idanre Police Division executed coordinated operations at strategic locations, culminating in the arrest of the suspects.
“The suspects, all men are: Adewusi, 38; Dele, 28; Akinkurole, 38; Victor, 30; Abbas, 30; Michael, 35 and Jolojolo, 36; Ifedayo, 38; Olamilekan, 25; Emmanuel, 25; Sunday, 49; Michael, 55 and Monday, 25 years.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements which is aiding ongoing investigations.
“The command is diligently working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any additional collaborators, and determine the specific roles played by each suspect,” he said.
Jimoh added that Lawal reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that all those responsible for the violence are brought before the law.
He also conveyed the commissioner’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his continued support and operational guidance.
According to the spokesperson, Lawal credited the IGP’s backing with improving the command’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to security challenges across the state.
“The CP warns individuals or groups contemplating acts capable of disturbing public peace that the command will not hesitate to deploy its full operational capacity to deal decisively with such threats.
“Residents of Idanre and the entire people of Ondo State are once again urged to remain calm, law-abiding,
“They should also continue cooperating with the police by providing useful and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and enhance collective security efforts,” he said.
