For allegedly being involved in a violent communal clash in the Eki/Oboto community of Ilaje local government Area of Ondo State, the police have arrested two brothers, Ogunsemore Gbadebo and Michael Ogunsemore.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the suspects had been locked in a prolonged land dispute with Oba Oyetayo Ofoaye of Aboto community.
According to the police spokesperson, Olusola Ayanlade, the matter was first taken to the Okitipupa High Court, which ruled in favour of the monarch.
Not satisfied with the verdict, the siblings filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Akure, the state capital, and the appellate court upheld the Oba’s position.
Ayanlade said the brothers resorted to self-help, recruiting armed thugs to unleash violence on the community rather than accepting the judgment of the Appeal Court.
It was learnt that the attack reportedly perpetrated by the suspects and their gangs displaced residents, destroyed huts, palm produce, and other valuables, while one Jeremiah Okuntimehin sustained machete injuries.
“This criminal escalation turned a civil dispute into a grave security threat, prompting swift police intervention,” the PPRO said.
According to him, the police launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of Gbadebo and Michael, who have since been arraigned in court. He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group who took part in the unrest.
Ayanlade stressed that the arrests mark a decisive step in restoring peace to the affected community, warning that communal violence will not be condoned under any guise.
