The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing by gunmen, of the village head of Ogbayo Community and 11 vigilantes in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun local government area of the state.
The Command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the bodies of the victims had been evacuated while four other people that sustained gunshot injuries were taken to hospital for treatment.
It added that efforts were being intensified by police operatives, in collaboration with the military and forest guards, to bring the perpetrators of the deadly attack to justice.
Police, in a statement explained that the incident occurred about 7am on Sunday when armed men invaded the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting sporadically.
“A combined team of police operatives and members of the National Forest Security Service responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered 12 lifeless bodies of vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo.
“The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Additionally, four persons who sustained injuries were immediately taken to hospital for treatment, while the deceased were evacuated,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
The Kwara police spokesperson added that the Command, in collaboration with the military and NFSS, has intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
“Manhunt operations are ongoing and the Command assures residents that those responsible will be brought to justice,” she assured.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, deeply commiserates with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.
The CP assured the people of Kwara State of the unwavering commitment of the Command to their safety and security.
Ejire-Adeyemi said further updates will be communicated in due course.
