A septuagenarian, Madam Rachael Bamidele, died over a land dispute in Aagba community in Surulere local government area of Oyo State.
The dispute also resulted in nine houses razed and properties worth millions of looted or destroyed.
A statement by the spokesman of the Oyo Police Command, Adewale Osifeso said 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.
He said the incident, which forced occupants to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighboring community over a long-standing dispute over land.
Osifeso stated that the Oyo Police Command responded to the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba Community, adding that following the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, swiftly deployed the Command’s specialised intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety.
According to him: “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.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
