At least nine persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of a septuagenarian and destruction of properties worth millions of naira in Aagba community in Surulere local government area of Oyo State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Command, Adewale Osifeso disclosed the arrests in a statement he issued in Ibadan, on Thursday.
Osifeso 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 the attack which occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025 was perpetrated by residents of a neighbouring community over a long-standing dispute.
The PPRO maintained that the incident which resulted into the burning, looting, and destruction of properties appeared to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over a disputed land.
Osifeso added that investigations by the Command led to the arrest of one Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of 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 neighboring community over a long-standing dispute over land.”
He added that following the recent developments, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Johnson Adenola, swiftly deployed the Command’s specialised intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of Police Mobile Force officers to the village to ensure public safety.
According to Osifeso, this prompt response brought restoration of normalcy, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The police spokesperson also revealed that three unregistered Boxer motorcycles were recovered following investigation. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other known suspects who remain at large.
“The indicted suspects will soon appear in court”, he added.
The command reaffirmed its zero-tolerance towards all acts or brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threaten the peace and tranquility of residents of the state.
The statement also expressed the rejection of the Command of any act of self-help by individuals or groups in ventilating their grievances.
He assured law abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, by employing robust measures to address violations of law and order.
