The calm of Idanre was shattered and politics turned perilous when violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Ondo State. Now, the long arm of the law has swung into action, with 13 suspects rounded up in connection with the bloody episode that left two people dead.
The unrest, which unfolded in Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, sent shockwaves across the state. What was meant to be a routine political exercise spiralled into chaos, leaving three others injured and properties scarred by destruction.
In a statement issued in Akure, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the arrests were the outcome of a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal. According to him, the police wasted no time in tightening the dragnet.
“The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, injuries to three persons, 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.
Police authorities stressed that the operation forms part of a broader resolve to smoke out every hand that fanned the flames of violence. Investigations, they said, are ongoing to ensure that no stone is left unturned and no accomplice slips through the cracks.
Jimoh further conveyed the commissioner’s firm stance that justice would not only be pursued but seen to be done. He noted that Lawal extended appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for what he described as steadfast backing and strategic direction, which has bolstered the command’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
“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.
