The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke in connection with the death of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, in the Labiran area of Ibadan. The incident occurred during a procession on Sunday when Asoleke and his followers allegedly attacked Kehinde with axes and cutlasses. Four other suspects remain at large, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.
Incident Details and Police Response
According to a report filed at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a woman named Mrs. Aderemi, the attack took place at around 4 p.m. Mrs. Aderemi stated that she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her that Kehinde had been attacked by the masquerade and his group. Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer at Mapo Division responded promptly, rushing the victim to a hospital for treatment. However, medical personnel confirmed that Kehinde had died on arrival.
The police processed the scene and documented evidence, including photographs. At the request of the deceased's family, his body was released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of Asoleke, while four other suspects linked to the attack remain on the run.
Case Transferred to CID for Detailed Investigation
Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation. The command stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and appealed to residents to support the investigation by providing useful information that could lead to their arrest. Police also reassured the public of their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Broader Context: Security Concerns in Oyo State
This incident adds to a series of security challenges in Oyo State. In a separate development, Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has claimed that certain politicians are linked to the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State. Igboho warned that he may publicly identify them if the attacks continue. He made these remarks while receiving newly elected leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in Ibadan.
Additionally, five operatives of the National Park Service stationed in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State were killed late Tuesday night, January 6, after gunmen stormed their post around 9 p.m. Some officers were shot, and others were burned to death. The bandits then packed their weapons before fleeing into the forest.
