Police arrest four suspects over public disturbance in Oyo

Police have arrested four persons in connection with the public disturbance that left two people dead and several others injured in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area on Thursday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrests in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.

Ayanlade said one of the suspects, identified as Abeeb Olajide, was attacked by an angry mob before later dying at the State Hospital, Moniya.

“The apprehended suspect was severely assaulted by the mob before he was rescued and rushed to a nearby medical facility. He was subsequently referred to the State Hospital, Moniya, where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.”

He added that other suspects had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, for further investigation.

“Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, where a comprehensive investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery, the mob action, the ensuing public disturbance and all related acts of criminality.

“The Command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice and warns members of the public against taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances.

“While acknowledging the right of citizens to report crimes and assist law enforcement, it emphasises that suspects should always be handed over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.

“Residents are further urged to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders are encouraged not to allow criminal elements to exploit the unfortunate incident to foment ethnic or communal unrest.

“The Command assures residents that adequate security measures have been put in place across the affected area and other strategic locations within the metropolis to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.”