9 People In Police Net Over Killing Of Septuagenarian In Oyo Land Dispute

At least nine people have been arrested in connection with the killing of a septuagenarian and the destruction of property worth millions of naira in a communal land dispute in the state.

The Oyo State Police Command’s public relations officer, Adewale Osifeso, said on Thursday that the nine suspects were arrested by operatives of the command in connection with the attack on the Aagba community in Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

He added that the incident, which led to the killing of a septuagenarian, Madam Rachael Bamidele, had forced villagers to desert the village.

He said that residents of a neighbouring community allegedly perpetrated the attack over a long-standing dispute.

Osifeso maintained that the incident resulted in the burning, looting, and destruction of property, saying the tragic incident appeared to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.

According to him, the incident occurred on April 5 this year. He added that the command’s investigations had led to the arrest of Salawudeen Ismaila, 33, a native of the neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects.

He said, “The Oyo State Police Command has responded to the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba Community, Surulere Local Government Area.

“The attack resulted in nine houses being razed and properties worth millions of Naira being looted or destroyed.

“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.

“Also, a septuagenarian, one Madam Rachael Bamidele, tragically died in the aftermath of the attack.

“The incident, which forced villagers to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighbouring community over a long-standing land dispute.’’